In the Spotlight

We all anxiously await our bachelorette party after we become engaged. Many brides even claim it was better than their weddings, more relaxed, with your closest friends, outside of the endless family pictures and annoying Uncles. Unfortunately, it seems businesses have cottoned on to this too and are truly ramping up popular destinations and prices. To try and escape the expensive prices of the well-known, popular destinations perhaps it's time to stray off the beaten path and discover some new places. Our list of hidden gems showcases some truly beautiful destinations that we believe deserve more love. From adventurous green landscapes, white beaches, and scenic villages there is an option for everyone. We have a range of options for food, sweet and savoury options, quieter nights out and more exciting downtown venues. So, grab you and your girlfriends and get your planners out, we have some unbelievable picks for you to dig your manicures into.

The holidays will soon be here, and that means colder weather, which means more time indoors. Queue in the best time of year for binge reading! But, not just any reading. Time for some steamy books! Books to warm you on your coldest nights. What better way to get warm than with a passionate romance? A love triangle? Some forbidden affairs? We all need a lil’ something to spice up an otherwise bland and bleak season as far as visuals go. Fortunately for you, we’ve got a good list of romance books that’ll get you hot under the collar, enough to combat the cold outside!  TEMPT ME (THE WOLF HOTEL BOOK 1) BY K.A TUCKER “Tempt Me” By Nina West - SHOP NOW The first book in The Wolf Hotel series follows protagonist Abbi Mitchell, an inexperienced girl who finds herself ensnared by her boss. The eponymous Henry Wolf. Infamous playboy and heir to a chain of luxury hotels. A sensual game of cat & mouse unravels as the two dance around their growing attraction to each other in their corporate world.   DIRTY LIKE ME: A ROCKSTAR ROMANCE BY JAINE DIAMOND “Dirty Like Me: A Rockstar Romance” (Book 1): SHOP NOW If you’re a fan of the whole “two people fake falling in love, only to realize their true feelings” schtick, then this book is for you! Dirty Like Me follows barista Katie Bloom as she wins a role of a backup in the attractive musician Jesse Hayes’s hot new music video. What starts out as the two making out for the cameras turns into Hayes requesting that Katie act as his fake girlfriend for publicity. Yet, as time grows on, Katie struggles to determine if her acting has actually been how she truly feels about Jesse. A worthwhile read!   HER BOSSY BILLIONAIRE (LOVE IN LONDON BOOK 1) BY NATALIE ANDERSON Her Bossy Billionaire ( Love In London, Book 1): SHOP NOW For those of us who love rich men, Her Bossy Billionaire has the spirited Libby Harris come into grips with her client’s brother, billionaire Jack Barnes. It all starts the night Libby appears in his apartment and skyrockets from there in nothing but sheer passion. Featuring lots and lots of maple syrup and a few encounters on countertops, an interesting read for some of our kinkier babes out there.   BREAKING JOSEPHINE (FORBIDDEN ROMANCE BOOK 1) BY BROOKE STANTON “Breaking Josephine" (Forbidden Romance, Book 1): SHOP NOW A great “enemies to lovers” romance starts when Jack Harrington places an ad for a man to work on his farm. Queue Josephine Taylor, whose brother has shipped her cross-country. Jack butts heads with Josephine, who he thinks is behind this change. Josephine, eager to prove herself, begs to stay and work with Jack for a month. Thus begins a slow build-up of sexual tension and high energy as anger falls and passion takes its place.   HOMEWRECKER (NASTY WOMAN BOOK 1) BY JILL WESTWOOD Homewrecker (Nasty Woman Book 1): SHOP NOW City girl Andie gets more than she bargained for when she rushes to North Carolina to get her father to move back to New York, when she encounters the sexy paramedic Seth. Though she absolutely hates the stench of barnyard animals, she can’t help but fantasize about Seth. Will she shred the last ounce of her doubt to fall deep into his arms? The first book in the Nasty Woman series is worth checking out!   WITHOUT APOLOGY (WITHOUT SERIES) BY AUBREY BONDURANT Without Apology: SHOP NOW A story about opposites who attract. Simon is a stern workaholic who the chaotic and carefree main character has history with. A first date, to be exact. What she doesn’t expect is for him to show up at her workplace. This steamy and sensual romance follows the two as they try (and fail) to contain their feelings for each other.  You can count on these books to give you more warmth than any heater this upcoming season! If you’re looking for something steamy and kinky, we’ve got you!

We’re still recovering from the hell that was 2020, and this summer more than any other, we just want to live normally, celebrate, relax, laugh, indulge, be our best selves. While beaches are fun and beautiful, there is just something about pools in the summer that is so therapeutic for the soul. The atmosphere around pools is always more serene —— a perfect place to get lost in a great book, have life changing deep conversations with your besties, connect deeply with your boo, or just reflect and shuffle yourself in place emotionally or mentally. If you know someone that has a pool with these zen AF vibes, then you’re set. If not, we have scouted the most amazing rooftop pools in New York City. Check them out below, and start reserving your spots now! Spoiler Alert: these pools will restore you from the inside out, and allow you to escape reality😎🤔 1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE The pool deck and plunge pool are exclusively for hotel guests. Registered hotel guests must reserve pool seating through the 1 Hotels App, subject to availability and limited to 2.5 hours per guestroom per day. Although this roof top pool is limited to guests, it is absolutely worth booking a room for a few days, or a weekend getaway! THE BEACH AT THE DREAM DOWNTOWN The Beach at Dream Downtown is the perfect summertime escape. Spanning 5,000 square feet, it is the ideal location to host a soiree, company cocktail party or daytime meeting. Even for a quick bite and drinks among friends. The Beach includes a glass-bottom pool, full-service bar, pool deck, sand beach, two private cabanas, and over 50 chaise lounges. The Pool Deck will be open Wednesday from 11AM to 7pm, (starting May 27th) weather permitting. Reservations are strongly recommended and are limited to groups of 1 or 2 people to maintain social distancing guidelines for the pool area. For groups up to 10 people, we recommend reserving a Cabana. Chaise Lounge Passes are available for $80 Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday through Sunday for $100. THE WILLIAM VALE Pool access is free for guests, but non-guest options include day passes ($99 on weekdays, $150 on weekends) and membership passes, which grant the member to pool access with a plus-one (starting at $899 for weekdays). You can have access to VIP seating by booking a pergola or cabana at an additional cost; two-person pergolas start at $100 on weekdays, $150 on weekends, and six-person cabanas will cost you $300 to $500. Stunning views over the Brooklyn Bridge are, of course, included in the price. For details regarding passes, schedules, and fees, subscribe to their newsletter here. GANSEVOORT MEATPACKING This stunning pool is on the 15th floor of the Gansevoort Hotel. It is best described as Meatpacking District meets Mediterranean. It’s open 7AM to 5PM daily (7AM-9PM during the summertime), the urban oasis is year-round heated rooftop pool at Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC. It is a dreamy setting to enjoy great weather and unmatched views of Manhattan's Skyline. Accessible to guests-only for an exclusive experience.  Superior and Deluxe Queen and King rooms allow pool access for 2 hotel guests Deluxe Double rooms, Grand Deluxe rooms and all Suites allow pool access for up to 4 hotel guests Book your stay here! DUMBO HOUSE One of the lesser-known properties in the group, DUMBO House, has a rooftop pool that offers unparalleled views over the East River and Manhattan. Expect soft, shaded daybeds positioned around a 40-foot pool. There are no phones allowed, which makes it the ideal spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy time with friends. PROFUNDO DAY CLUB The Profundo Day Club is where Manhattan meets with South Beach, and St. Tropez. The Profundo Day Club is located at the Ravel Hotel. This day club is open to the public. All you have to do is reserve and pay for your pass. You can make reservations here.

Whether your book list is never ending or currently blank, here at Exhibit A we’ve curated our top six books that will improve your life, and inspire your summer.

By Betti Halsell Oscar nominations were announced by Priyanka and Nick Jonas earlier this month and now it's time to plan out our stay-at-home red carpet looks. Most of us are vetted in planning socially distanced Oscar parties, giving our best--from the couch. The 93rd Oscars ceremony is on April 25, it will showcase the most dazzling designer wear to celebrate the record breaking call for women this Oscar season. The new trend for watching award shows during a global pandemic is to simply add diamonds to athleisure wear, for that extra shine, we call it ‘Drama-casual’. Luv Aj accessories matched with Joah brown Athleisure wear is the best way to accomplish this look.  For those who have the strength to dress to the nines, there are designer cocktail dresses mixed into this lineup for your theatrical number in the living room, and just in case you ever wondered WWBW (What Would Beyonce Wear). The 93rd Oscars celebration broke through new barriers; over 70 women were tapped for nominations. Emerald Fennell and Chloé Zhao shattered the previous record of only one woman being in the Directing category in the same year. That is why there is a little extra razzle in the Oscar dazzle this year. Women are becoming undeniable. Watch the 93rd Oscars on April 25 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT. Here are the best three looks for your viewing “on the red….couch,” grab your popcorn, and watch them give credit where credit is due; to the women…! WHEN IN DOUBT, BLING IT OUT- BRINGING A SIMPLE MONOCHROME LOOK TO LIFE WITH PAVE CIGAR RINGS Pave Cigar Ring / Invisible Long Sleeve / Biker Shorts   MAKE FETCH HAPPEN WITH THESE CRYSTALLINE HOOPS PAIRED WITH YOUR FAVORITE JOGGERS Crystalline Hoops, Oversized Jogger, Square Neck Tank Bra WWBW...WHAT WOULD BEYONCE WEAR - BE THE QUEEN OF THE BEEHIVE FOR A DAY, AND CELEBRATE WHO RUNS THE WORLD... GIRLS. Hammered Hex Statement Earrings, Ballier Bracelet, Daphne Bustier

The 70’s was an era about finding one’s frequency and tuning into higher vibrations. The culture was eclectic and came with radical statements.

Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) sits at the precipice for non-profit organizations that highlight severe health challenges. They have been proactive in educating and supporting the youth to be more familiar with early detection and overall awareness of breast cancer.

“embraces unabashed femminity,” in other words this vintage-inspired women's clothing brand is not afraid to embellish their lives with frills and lace.

By Betti Halsell Evil Queen candles were inspired by the L.A. sarcasm that is breathed in so heavily in the west coast. Available at OnFemme by Lindsey’s Kloset, are a number of these refreshing scents, ready to keep the vibe soft and dimly lit. Owner and creator of said candles, Ida-Sofia Koivuniemi tells her story and how she came to have a burning passion for wax in a jar.  The story of Evil Queen, starts off like any good fairy tale entrepreneur story, Koivuniemi was in her head while driving in the streets of Los Angeles, when she came upon a “not-so-unique” flower shop called “Basic Flowers.”  The evil queen was tickled at the tongue-and-cheek arrogance of the name (so L.A.) and she caught the flame of entrepreneurship. She began her journey into creating her own business and landed in the house of wax.  Koivuniemi was not the master artisan of crafting candles before Evil Queen was developed; according to this candle chick, it took a lot of patience and practice, before she made her candles perfectly evil.  Queen Koivuniemi started her business as a one-woman ruling, but has since increased-- and continues to grow into a slow burning flame fest of success with her new queens on queue; Kylie and Raime.  The Queen prides herself on the quality of her candles, they are made with 100% soy wax, and the fragrances are free from harmful chemicals.  Soy candles are traditionally made with soy wax which is the solid form of soybean oil. The wax generally has a lower melting point so it makes for long lasting aromas wafting through the air, and Evil Queen has one for every vibe.  They are hand-made in her small shop in Los Angeles, which means they are also vegan, cruelty free, and come with a bit of sarcasm.  Here are some of the lit jars of wax with their described scent available at OnFemme by Lindsey’s Kloset: DAMN ITS EARLY Dark roasted coffee beans with a hint of vanilla and hazelnut for sweetness. And tears. Because we've all cried in the morning at least once. A rich, nostalgic hazelnut coffee blend with a touch of vanilla. ($30) BITCHES WHO BRUNCH Sweet orange flowers with warm sandalwood and crushed tonka beans. ($30) MOODY BITCH Sweet notes of vanilla, jasmine, and orchid lay softly on top of an earthy floral and woodland-inspired base. ($30) BAT SHIT CRAZY Soft and bold at once, blending sweet and spicy notes of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon, over a smoky, woodsy base. ($30) OLD SOUL Notes of watery pear, lily of the valley, and rose. Warm amber and vanilla as the base make you want to wander and linger in the woods! ($30)