Dusk & Rubies: Pencils of Promise White Party

Summer, in NYC and the Hamptons, is one of the busiest times of the year for charity work, and non-profit organizations. And I have been trying to do my part and give back to organizations, dreams, and ideas that I believe in. I truly believe that many of us in our twenties want to contribute someway, somehow to the world we live in. Whether our interests lead us to contribute to the environment, and conservation societies, animal rehabilitation, ovarian cancer research, or education I think there are a lot of us who want to get involved and feel like we matter because we can make a difference.

I was so excited to learn about the non-profit P.O.P or better known as Pencils Of Promise. As a certified English teacher the cause really hit close to home. This extremely mindful organization believes that every young person has the natural right to education. They want to place a "pencil in every child's hand", realizing the immense impact our learned youth will have on our society one day. After watching their video, and reading more about their cause I knew without a doubt I wanted to contribute. (Watch the 1 minute video below for more information.)

Nicole, my sister and author of What You Need To Know, and I attended The Pencils of Promise White Party which was a ticketed event in the NYC hot club frequented by young professionals, Avenue. The venue was small and sophisticated, and everyone was expected to wear white. Not only was the party a huge success due to generous donations, but also the ticket cost, and any contribution made up to $1,200 was matched 100%.

And, If that wasn't enough. The non-profit brought it big time celebrity Sophia Bush to host. (I am a big fan of One Tree Hill), and was open bar from 8-11 and passed hor d'oeuvres from 8:30-10:30.

Everyone I met was extremely kind, caring, and excited about the reason we were all in the same room. We all banned together, wore white, took pictures with giant pencils, danced, and drank champagne as we donated towards the building of a new school. The best parties always have a cause.

What was even more amazing? (I know you can't even begin to imagine.) Everyone was excited to pose for Dusk & Rubies' blog. So thank you to everyone who is featured in this post. (I will be e-mailing those who gave me their e-mails copies of their final pictures!)

Okay so on to the fashion! What do you wear to a white party, or any major event in NYC? Well let me break it down for you as you take a gander at the best dressed of the night!

On Nicole (Left): Earrings: Dusk & Rubies "Meet me at the MET", Oscar De La Renta Sunnies, Dress by XOXO, Clutch by Steve Madden, Wedges by Nine West.
On Me (Right): Earrings: Dusk & Rubies from "The Gatsby Collection", Dress: Free People, Watch: Michael Kors, Wedges: Guess.

These girls were on trend alright! Statement Earrings were everywhere last night, and bare necks sans necklaces.
Left: Earrings from J Crew
Right: Earrings from Forever 21

One of the best dressed of the night, Victoria is wearing A lace open back romper from Dolce Vita, and Earrings from J Crew. Another big trend was both lace, and the nude wedge. What can I say great trendy minds think alike!

Other fashionable ladies who knew a thing or two. Left: Beaded and bejewled Clutch from Forever 21.
Right: Makeup on trend with old school glamour red lip, and bringing in a pop of color to her boutique bow dress a neon pink lip and crossbody bag. (I know Wendy Williams would approve!)

Let us not forget about the men. Top Left: Shoes: White Boat Shoes!
Bottom Right: Pants: J Crew. Yes, he is wearing monogrammed pants, yes he let us shoot them, and yes he is on trend this Summer! All the girls were going gaga over these pants!

Lots of fun this group was. Her headband was $5! Let us not forget to notice Mr. Pocket Square on the right. Any guy who puts in that much thought deserves the honor of being Dusk & Rubies best-dressed male of the night!

And last but not least our new charitable friends Jessica and Kristina who we talked to all night long.
Jess: (Left) Dress: Anthropolgie Purse: A Steal from TJ Maxx
Kristina (Right): Is on trend with her peep toe nude pump, and Gatsby pearl studs.

Here are some other fun pictures from our night: