Escapist Fantasy

Celebs including Gossip Girl's Penn Badgley, Glee's Dianna Agron (left) and designers Christian Siriano and Charlotte Ronson avoided mayhem in the Hamptons over the weekend, opting instead for the sky-high penthouse of the Mondrian SoHo, where Carrera Sunglasses hosted a sun-soaked two-day party for VIPs and friends.

Badgley was overheard speaking about his plans to produce a record after he returns from an upcoming trip to Mexico. (Apparently, he can play any instrument but the drums....though we doubt that includes performing on a theremin or a didgeridoo!)

After chillaxing at the Carrera party--a gathering that also included activities such as morning yoga, eyebrow shaping and neck massages, Agron went out to celebrate the birthday of figure skater Johnny Weir with Vanessa Hudgens, Emma Roberts and Susan Sarandon (gotta love that Susan can still hold her own with the youngins). Apparently, Weir's birthday festivities didn't wrap until 7 a.m., so having a pair of sunglasses to hide the inevitable day-after eyebags must have been a welcome comfort for the Glee cheerleader.

The summer celebration, which has become a Carrera tradition, also featured goodies by a host of other luxury brands, including UV Vodka, SOUL by Ludacris and Venroy Australia. New York Insider was there enjoying it all to the bittersweet end, as the sun went down and (sadly) the sunglasses came off.

Agron photo by NickyDigital.Com

Taking SPiN for a Spin!

I had such a blast at SPiN NYC I had to back for a second visit shortly after the first one! Whether you're a ping-pong afficionado or prefer to remain a spectator, this Madison Square Park hot spot is well worth your time. The staff is super-friendly, the food (by chef Will Horowitz) is fantastic and if you're lucky, you may even run into Susan Sarandon, who is one of the co-owners.

You can check out my Citybuzz video, complete with an interview with Chef Will, below.

Sting and Co. Get Creative

The Creative Coalition brought together a constellation of stars for its inaugural ball last night, including the still-gorgeous Dana Delany (can she possibly be 52?), her fellow Desperate Housewives alumna Alfre Woodard, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Tim Daly, Marisa Tomei, Tony Goldwyn and Heather Graham. This crew of Hollywood élite each took the stage to offer a line or two of inspirational poetry and after having earned their keep, were treated (along with ticket holders who paid up to $10,000 per couple) to a concert featuring Sam Moore, Sting and Elvis Costello. Moore (the onetime member of the duo Sam and Dave, famed for the hit song "Soul Man") has apparently buried the hatchet with Barack Obama, whose campaign he sent a cease and desist letter last year for using his music without permission. Costello didn't exactly bring the house down, but Moore has still got it and Sting, his vocal chords well-rested after the close of his reunion tour with the Police, sounded better than he has in quite some time. He even convinced Moore to join him on a duet of Every Breath You Take. The night came to a stirring close as Moore and a backup singer performed a spine-tingling version of "Amazing Grace." Only a wretch would have left the amphitheatre with a dry eye.

For more photos, click here.