Girls Just Want Swag

By Lyssa Oberkreser

published: August 25, 2005

The calendar gals need to see the words gift bags on an invitation before we can be bothered with dolling ourselves up for a party. Peg Samuel, founder and president of Social Diva, totally understands that. "We only write about things we've personally approved," says Samuel of her Website and e-mail newsletter, www.socialdiva.com. "We just make sure it's going to be quality before we [include it]; we filter out what we want." Sure, we're all for girl power and hanging with our chicas, but we need to meet some fine men too. "This is not just for ladies," Samuel emphasizes. "A lot of guys show up to our parties because they want to go where the ladies are."

But any party girl knows she cannot sustain on shindigs alone, so Social Diva also highlights food, fashion, and beauty. "We are always on the pulse of [parties and clubs], but we tell you the other diva stuff: spas, fashion, beauty," Samuel adds.

Launched in 1999 in Atlanta, the Website expanded to cover New York City earlier this year, and now the Divas are ready for the sizzling city of Miami. In addition to promoting choice boutiques, eateries, and social gatherings, the Divas host their own soirees. This weekend is the Social Diva Miami launch party at the Whitelaw Hotel, featuring Sunrise Sunset cocktails made with orange Crystal Light, grenadine, and 42 Below vodka. "They are very upscale, divalicious," says Samuel of the hip New Zealand vodka. D'JLS will be spinning sexy house music as you mingle and munch on hors d'oeuvres, and we haven't forgotten about the ultimate prize: "There will be gift bags galore!" Samuel promises. "Thongs, T-shirts, mix CDs, plenty of fun goodies." The Social Divas appear to have it covered.