Though Summer doesn’t officially begin until mid June, most consider memorial day weekend as the officially unofficial start of the summer party season. Weather permitting this weekend is usually filled with garden parties, barbeques and for us city dwellers rooftop soirees. Bar d’Eau is one of many venues opening up to the public this week. The intimate oasis is on the 7th floor of the beautiful Trump Soho. Summer came early for team JSD as we were cordially invited to attend the exclusive preview before the official public opening.

The space has an enclosed bar area and lounge as well as an out door deck. The deck is 6000 square feet with 1 pool surrounded by modern lounge chairs, several table settings and a small bocce ball court. Within the lovely surroundings guests may enjoy a variety of small plate items along with their specialty cocktails. One of the most interesting cocktails is the “Moet Ice Imperial”, one of the first champagnes created to be served over ice. Very few venues will have access to thus refreshing cocktail, making the experience at Trump Soho all the more exclusive. Also available at the bar are, The Belvedere Lemon Ice Tea which is a refreshing libation, featuring Belvedere lemon tea vodka and black tea and the Rose on Spring which is also made from Belvedere and features a spritz of rose water for a fragrant finish.

While guests of the Trump are the only people allowed to enjoy the pool, the bar is open to the public.  As with most roof top spaces this venue is only available for a short while, so you should catch while you can. If the view and gorgeous setting isn’t enough of a reason, go for the world class cocktails and ambiance. You may have to work all summer but that’s no excuse not to play, drop by Bar d’Eau for a little grown up fun. Bar d’Eau is located on the 7th floor of the Trump Soho Hotel @ 246 Spring Street (at Varick Street).

One of our favorite brands just released a slew of new styles this season. Menswear brand UNTUCKit is launching henleys, polos and t-shirts to add to their arsenal of perfect fitting button downs specifically designed to be worn untucked.  Utilizing the brand’s unique height vs. weight sizing chart, UNTUCKit eliminates those too baggy, too long shirts from the modern man’s wardrobe. Because length matters when it comes to wearing your shirt untucked, UNTUCKit conducted market research to derive the most desired length of shirts to fall—an inch to an inch and a half below the belt.  Finally, shirts that will consistently fit at the right length!

All UNTUCKit shirts are 100% cotton ranging from casual wovens to super premium 180-thread-count.  The brand’s superior attention to detail includes double stitching along the collar and shirt placket; each UNTUCKit design also features a color coordinated signature grosgrain sail tag strategically embroidered on the side or center placket of the shirt.

The UNTUCKit collection retails for $32 (t-shirts), $55 (henleys and polos) and $79-139 (button downs) exclusively on the brand’s e-commerce website, www.UNTUCKit.com with free shipping and returns. Celebrity fans include Chase Crawford, Kevin Connolly, Mark Salling, Ryan Seacrest, Cash Warren and many more!

The 21,000 square foot, two floor H&M store will be located at the Shops at Columbus Circle, which is commonly known as the gateway to the Upper West Side, is at the forefront of international culture, fashion, music and arts. This will be the first store in Manhattan to feature an exclusive men’s shop with its own separate entrance. “This H&M location will be a great addition to our already impressive roster of stores, as well to the phenomenal retail mix at this location,” says Daniel Kulle, U.S. President for H&M. “H&M believes strongly in the New York City market, and with our first store on the Upper West Side, we are excited to offer local Manhattan shoppers even more access to the brand’s fashion-forward, quality collections.” H&M at the Shops at Columbus Circle will feature collections for ladies and men including lingerie, underwear and accessories. This location will also carry H&M’s fantastic children’s collection, featuring quality clothing for new-born up to kids age 8.

The U.S. has been one of H&M’s most important markets since opening its first store on New York’s Fifth Avenue twelve years ago. Now offering U.S. consumers access to quality fashions at the best prices through 238 locations across the country, H&M is delighted to continue its expansion in its first U.S. city. Globally, H&M has more than 2,500 stores in 44 markets around the world.

Time Warner Center, a 2.8 million square-foot complex, is uniquely comprised of two towers, which have become part of the legendary New York City skyline since opening in 2003. The Center’s towers are the home of New York institutions such as Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Per Se, the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Exciting!

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Follow us on Twitter for live updates @JohnSimonJSD

Directed by: Peter Berg

Written by: Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber

Stars: Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna, Liam Neeson

After initiating contact with an alien race Earth finds itself under attack. The fight to save humanity begins at sea  as the US and Japanese Navy engage in a competition that turns into a real fight to the death. At the core of the battle is Lieutenant Alex Hopper (Kitsch), a reluctant naval officer who is forced into a role of leadership despite his ineptitude.  Motivated by his love for his beautiful fiancé (Decker) he discovers the strength and courage to forage ahead.

Battleship is a traditional summer blockbuster filled with action, laughs and large scale explosions.  As with most end of the world movies the final battle takes place in the good old U S of A with American soldiers and officers saving the world from devastation. One brilliant twist is that the Americans are joined by Japanese sailors in the same waters where the Pearl Harbor attack took place. Scene to scene the movie is an enjoyable thrill ride with amazing special effects. The cast for the film is especially unique as it features the USS Missouri a real naval vessel as well as actual war veterans. Gregory D. Gadson a double amputee who survived war in the middle east makes his acting debut as Lieutenant Colonel Mick Canales a patient of Sam (Decker) wrestling with his loss of mobility.

This film hits theaters just in time for Memorial Day and makes a great night out with friends.  Despite the violence of the film, it is not so graphic that children under 13 shouldn’t see it. The movie may serve as a great opening for dialogue on war and the sacrifices people make in keeping our country safe. If not for the patriotism see it for the intense battle scenes and sheer enjoyment.

Battleship hits theaters this Friday, May 18th, 2012!