Review: Lexus HS 250

I recently took a roadtrip to Philadelphia, and my friends at Lexus RiverCenter let me try out a HS 250 for the ride. I was excited because "h" is for "hybrid" is for "more money to spend on FUN things on the trip versus gas!"

And man did it save on gas! I put it in eco mode and it really helped on the gas mileage. The gas gauge didn't even flinch until I hit Columbus (more than 100 miles!). Granted, in eco mode, I didn't have the power I'm used to with my IS 350. It did have a "power mode" button you could push if you needed a little extra umph, but I actually didn't end up using that! Probably a good thing, too, because 71N was a speed trap and you have to be really careful around that curvy Pennsylvania Turnpike.

I only ended up needing to refuel one time on my entire 9 hour trip, which I was really happy about. And, when we were driving it around in the city, the electric kicked in when we were just coasting from one red light to another. That saved on gas too.

It surprised me how much it looked and handled like my IS 350, but the fuel economy was SO much better. So, if power isn't a high priority, but saving at the pump is, I highly recommend this HS 250!

Check out the webcast below where I give you a tour of the car and my favorite features it had to offer!

Recap: Cincy Chic's Eco-Fab Fashion Show

Brenna models a romper made out of seatbelts.
(David Sorcher | Special to Metromix)

Hope everyone had fun at last week’s Eco-Fabulous Fashion show at Lexus Rivercenter. I know I had a blast! Click here to check out pics Metromix took! If you were there and got pics in our photobooth, click here to go to our Facebook page and tag yourself in the photo album!

The clothes were amazing, the crowd was big and the event was a huge success. Basically the concept of the event was to have a fashion show featuring clothes made by DAAP students out of re-purposed materials. We also had other eco-friendly vendors there to shop with. Swag bag were for sale and we raffled off a weekend lease of a loaded RX. 100% of those proceeds went to the Civic Garden Center. We raised almost $800 for them with this event! So excited!

And because of the "Eco-Fabulous" theme, we were able to feature the new Lexus 2011 CT 200h. It's sleek, sexy and oh-so-much-more sustainable. Just an FYI, the new CT is the most efficient luxury hybrid Lexus offers. It pairs a combined MPG rating of 42 with lower CO2 emissions... without skimping on all the things Lexus is known for: speed, technology and luxury. It's really a great car.

I love that people came for the fashion, and left with lots of ideas for how they can go green! Can't wait for our next event at Lexus RiverCenter, which will be May 6 for the Cincinnati Profile Bourbon/Cigar Tasting! Mark your calendar and make sure you're subscribed to Cincinnati Profile to be the first to learn more about the event!

Recap: Cincinnati Profile Launch Party at Performance Lexus

A couple weeks ago, we had our Cincinnati Profile Launch Party where we celebrated its new online-only format and new events! It was a huge success! Click here to check out pics!

Performance Lexus was a fabulous host to the party. All the guests were completely wowed at the venue and couldn't believe it was actually a car dealership. If not for the new CT parked in the middle of the showroom and all the pictures of cars around, you wouldn't know it!

It has a workout facility, locker room, movie theater, lounge, patio, pond and fountain... you name it, they have it! It's unbelievable! Mark your calendar for June 11 when we'll be back at Performance Lexus for another Cincinnati Profile event called "Summerfest" ... we'll be grilling out, making sushi, tasting beers and wines, smoking cigars, taking hot air balloon rides... lots of fun! Make sure you're subscribed to Cincinnati Profile to be the first to learn about the event!

Eco-Fab Fashion Show Sneak Peek

To say I'm excited about today's Eco-Fabulous Fashion Show at Lexus RiverCenter is an understatement. First of all, I brought on a national client for it (Vitamin Water Zero...woohoo!!). Second of all, we have 350 RSVPs and it's sold out. Third of all, it's benefiting the Civic Garden Center which is an amazing organization making our city pretty. And lastly.... it's going to just be a ton of FUN!

There will be food, drinks, music, shopping and a eco-fab fashion show with clothing made out of re-purposed materials. And the jewelry is also made out of re-purposed/recycled materials. The jewelry vendor, Serket Jewelry, sent me a sneak peek of some of the jewelry that will be in the show. The pics are just showcasing some of the jewelry that will be at the show.

For a sneak peek of some of the clothes that will be in the show, check out the bottom of this post for a segment we did on Wednesday on Fox19!

Lexus RiverCenter was so kind to give us a weekend lease to auction off to raise funds for the Civic Garden Center. The car will be a loaded RX for the weekend, 2011 AWD model with navigation, Bluetooth, backup camera, parking sensors. The winner can pick it up on a Friday and bring it back on a Monday…weekend of their choice!

Enjoy the pics and video, and hope to see you at the event!


Model Brenna Nicole' Lee Principato (also model for Fox 19) is wearing a skirt made out of a variety of ribbons. The light blue top is made from a bed skirt. Jewelry: necklace is made from plastic lids that are on milk jugs, juice, etc then added chains and butterfly components. The headband is made from red bull labels.

Model Nataly Silva is wearing a 2 piece dress; top is created from ladies fashion belts woven together then cut to shape the bodice. The layered green and gold skirt is made from curtains. The jewelry: necklace is made from the lid of a jewelry box with attached beads and the flower is made up of bridal flower pedals and rhinestones.



Model Nataly Silva with hat with magazine clipping fringe

EVENT INFO:

Eco-Fabulous Fashion Show

Brought to you by vitaminwater zero

Date:
Friday, March 25, 6-9pm

Fashion Show at 8pm, showcasing eco-fabulous designs from several local DAAP students. Drinks provided by Lexus Rivercenter. Food provided by Behle Street Cafe.

Location:
Lexus Rivercenter
633 W. 3rd St. Covington, KY 41011

Vendors include:
SerketJewelry
Mitchell's Salon and Day Spa
FENNOfashion
Keep It Tight Fitness
Miche Group
Spice and Tea Exchange
Votre Vu by Julena Bingaman
Purdy Everyday
Yelp
Nature's Bath

After Party: Join us for the official after party at Behle Street Cafe. Complimentary parking in the rivercenter garage directly behind Behle Street Cafe.


PHOTO CREDITS:
The photographer: Alicia Calton located in Lexington, Kentucky check her out on Facebook: "Alicia C. Photography"
The makeup artist: Galvin Mason
The hairstylist: Amanda Fiehrer
Jewelry: Serket Jewelry
Clothing: made by Courtney K., who is only 17 and attends the School for Creative and Performing Arts

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Eco-Fabulous Fashion Show At Lexus Rivercenter

I’m so super excited for our “Eco-Fabulous Fashion Show” event coming up March 25 at the Lexus Rivercenter! We did a go green event last year, and it was great. But this year, we’re taking it to a whole new, even more amazing, level.

Last year, we had some designs that DAAP students made on display throughout the venue. It was neat to look at them, but none of them could really be worn. But this year, the DAAP students are making eco-fab designs that are going to be worn on the runway! The outfits will be made out of repurposed household items and/or eco-friendly products. Think couture gown out of dryer sheets whisking its way down the catwalk… yeah, amazing.

Serket Jewelry is sponsoring the fashion show portion of the event, and is designing all the jewelry for the models. I interviewed her in this previous blog. I just love how innovative Lyn (owner/designer for Serket) is, so I’m sure she’ll have incredible designs and concepts for you to enjoy at this show. I’ll have a sneak peek here of some of her designs soon on the blog after Lyn and my fashion show intern go and check out the DAAP designs.

Also, this year, Lexus has a brand new hybrid it’ll be featuring. AND vitaminwater zero just came on board as the presenting sponsor, so you know there will be great swag!
I hope you can make it! Here are all the details…

Eco-Fabulous Fashion Show

Brought to you by vitaminwater zero

Friday, March 25, 6-9pm
Fashion Show at 8pm, showcasing eco-fabulous designs from several local DAAP students. Drinks provided by Lexus Rivercenter. Food provided by Behle Street Cafe.

Lexus Rivercenter
633 W. 3rd St.
Covington, KY 41011

Vendors include:
Serket Jewelry
Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa
FENNOfashion
Keep It Tight Fitness
Miche Group
Spice and Tea Exchange
Votre Vu by Julena Bingaman
Purdy Everyday

Click here to RSVP by March 24! Event is free to attend. Those who purchase a $10 ticket will receive a swag bag and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Civic Garden Center.

After Party: Join us for the official after party at Behle Street Cafe. Complimentary parking in the rivercenter garage directly behind Behle Street Cafe.

Hosted by: Cincy Chic, an online publication for women in Greater Cincinnati

Cincinnati Profile Launch Party at Performance Lexus

Cincinnati Profile, the local e-zine for men in Greater Cincinnati I run with my hubby Pete (basically the male version of Cincy Chic) is hosting a big launch party!)

Profile has been around for more than four years in print, but I took it over at the end of last year and transitioned it to an online-only format. So this party is to launch the new format and all the new events we'll be doing, like a cigar and bourbon tasting event in spring, and a burger and beer "Summerfest" event this summer.

At the launch event, you'll get to meet the Cincinnati Profile staff, network, and enjoy complimentary drinks as you check out local vendors and the new rides at Performance Lexus!

Get your photo taken in our custom photo booth, made to look like you’re on the cover of a Profile magazine! Also, meet the leading ladies of our Single & Successful issue!

So, mark your calendar and RSVP for this event! Also, make sure you're subscribed so you can get exclusive invites to events like this in the future.

Review: Lexus CT 200h

Earlier this month, Lexus RiverCenter held a VIP unveiling of the CT 200h (Performance Lexus had an unveiling event too, but Covington is closer to where I live, so I attended that one).

The event was amazing, complete with my friends at Cooking with Caitlin doing food demonstrations and my other friend Taren Kennebrew with Sweet Petit desserts. Can you tell the way to my heart is through my stomach ...and sweet tooth? :)

Click here to see pictures from the event!

The CT hybrid is a very cool car. Not as cool as my Lexi, I must say, but that's because I'm still in my compact car phase of life. I don't need all the extra space.

But when we start a family, I think the CT would be perfect. It doesn't have the "get up and go" that my IS-350 has, but with kids in tote, I will probably be a lot better about obeying the speed limits. haha! And, as you know, I will never drive a minivan. So, I do like that it has lots of extra space but it still looks sporty.

Another huge selling point - and will be even more important with a family - is the price. It's under $30k, which is a great price for a Lexus, especially a hybrid Lexus.

It's a smooth looking car with lots of perks - for you, your pocketbook and the environment. I give it two green thumbs up!