Nine years ago, Jill Zarin was a haimish (Yiddish for friendly) housewife who “ran with a fabulous crowd.” Then, Bravo approached her with an idea for a reality show called “Manhahttan Moms.” Jill called some friends, and soon, their well-coifed lives and petty quarrels were unfurled in the renamed “The Real Housewives of New York City.” Now, Jill is a hamish housewife — with product lines, books and acting roles — who still runs with a fabulous, famous crowd. They showed up for her Third Annual Luxury Ladies Luncheon, a fun fair of freebies, shopping and grooming services benefiting a few worthy causes.
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Jon Levy, Allyson Shapiro, RJ Mitte. (Photo: Patrick McMullan/PatrickMcMullan.com) |
We spotted Governor Charlie Crist and wife Carol, Beth Ostrovsky Stern, RJ Mitte (“Breaking Bad”), Verne Troyer (“Austin Powers”), Sarah Wynter (“American Odyssey”), “The Millionaire Matchmaker” Patti Stanger, reality stars Ramona Singer, Aviva Drescher, LuAnn de Lesseps, Cindy Barshop, Robin Cofer, Daniel Staub, Dorinda Medley and John Mahdessian, and playboy entrepreneurs Mark Leder and Eli Mizrahi. Actress/jeweler Genevieve Jones and sunglasses designer Cynthia Bailey were among the vendors.
“I would never leave my house on a Saturday except for you Jill Zarin,” said Mark Leder, known for hosting the Mitt Romney Florida fundraiser, where the candidate remarked on the 47 percent of Americans “dependent on government” and Page 6-worthy Hamptons bashes.
“Jill’s a real friend, not a fake friend,” “The Millionaire Matchmaker” Patty Stanger, (who was staying with the Zarins), told Hamptons.com. She may have set up Jill’s daughter Allyson on the Bravo show, but, RJ Mitte didn’t need any urging to follow Allyson to the after-party at 1 OAK.
So what is a luxury luncheon, Zarin style? Valet park, golf cart to door. Wrinkles from the ride? Madame Paulette’s mobile van parked outside was available to steam and clean you red carpet ready. Feel underdressed? A mobile Saks Fifth Avenue in the driveway, with a vault on board for jewelry, could take care of that. Inside, there was a beauty bar with concierge services Priv on demand beauty services, Manhattan Teeth Whitening and Solo Nail Gel booths.
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Aviva Drescher, Cindy Barshop, Ramona Singer, Patti Stanger, Jill Zarin, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Cynthia Bailey, Carla Stephens, Dorinda Medley, and Andrea Canning. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com) |
Thinning hair? We were particularly impressed by the non-surgical, non-invasive LCPRO cap, the latest innovation in laser hair therapy which restores thicker, fuller, stronger and shinier hair for both women and men, by wearing it three times a week for thirty minutes. We found LCPRO vitamins in our goodie bags as well. Carly Klein of the National Hair Loss Association utilizes it for cancer patients.
Monies raised from venders went to the Thyroid Oncolgy Group and Eric Trump for St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital via the Zarin Family Foundation.
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Bobby gifted Jill with a shiny, red, 1981 corvette with big eyelashes over the headlights. (Photo: Lee Fryd) |
Wondering what freebies we took home? Product from Patricia Wexler, Hempz signature collections, Renpure hair cleansing and conditioner in one, Rock your Hair dry shampoo, Grande Naturals for lashes, gift certificates from Saks and wine wipes — so you can drink the Josh Cellars wine on hand and show your pearlies on that red carpet — and much, much more.
“I wanted to share the free stuff that I get with my friends,” shared Jill. “And I wanted them to have fun!”
Unbeknownst to the crowd, Jill had also been generously gifted. “Look,” Bobby said as he took us to a cosseted driveway. There was a shiny, red, 1981 corvette with big eyelashes over the headlights. “Jill has always wanted that classic corvette with the bubble back,” he said. “I’m more into newer cars — with warrantees. But, finally, I gave in and found her one in really nice condition. She just got it Thursday, but already ordered special plates with her name on it.
And the occasion, you might wonder?
“Do we need an occasion? It’s Jill and Bobby. We take care of each other.” And also those around them.
