Jill At Barneys FNO Karoake

Post from New York Magazine.

Photo: Getty Images

By: Diana Scholl

Jill Zarin had a dilemma on her hands, and it wasn't just figuring out how to square Fashion's Night Out with Rosh Hashanah. The Real Housewives of New York star arrived at the Barneys FNO Karoake, which was being judged by the Olsen twins, with husband Bobby, daughter Ally, and a swarm of cute little nieces. "We went to dinner, temple, and on the way home we're stopping by because I got my nieces with me who wanted to go by and see the Olsen twins," she told us. "I'm not happy Fashion's Night Out is on Rosh Hashanah, I think they should change the night."

After Zarin and family pushed through the overflowing crowd waiting for a peek of the Olsens (who arrived a full hour behind schedule), a staffer behind the velvet rope told Zarin she could only bring one other person backstage with her. Talk about Sophie's Choice!

The family camped out in the dressing room and tried to decide who to bring backstage. There was a discussion of rotating children, but in the end, Zarin and family just left. When we asked about the abrupt departure, she said, "It's just too hot."

Jill Partners With NOH8 Campaign

Post from Hollywood Life.

By:Thomas Sullivan

Way to go! Jill is ready to help make a change — she’s joined the fight for marriage equality!

The Real Housewives of New York City star Jill Zarin isn’t the type to sit back and do nothing. She’s a go-getter, especially when it involves a cause close to her heart. Jill has now partnered with the NOH8 campaign to fight for “marriage equality and anti-discrimination on a global level.”

“Bobby, Ally, my stepson Jonathan and I were thrilled that Adam Bouska asked us to appear in the NOH8 campaign,” Jill told HollywoodLife.com exclusively. “We all believe in equality and feel strongly that everyone should have the right to marry regardless of their sexual orientation.”

“Being gay is not a choice,” Jill continued. “Our government should not be involved in our sexual lives or orientation.”

“I am also helping raise money for the Marriage Equality March coming up in NYC on September 2010,” Jill said. “So I was also happy to participate in the NOH8 campaign.”

Jill will also be the Honorary Host of the 2010 GLAAD Out Auction to be held at the MET in November!

As a member of the gay community, it’s always nice to see celebrities getting involved in a great cause such as this one, especially in times like these when gay marriage is a hot topic. All I can say is, you go Jill! Keep fighting for what you believe in and for those of us who are still struggling for equal rights even to this day.

Jill & Patti Hang With Ally Before She Leaves For College

Pic./tweet from Jill.

Last family summer with ally before college. @pattistanger stopped by to kiss her goodbye. So sweet!

Jill's Pool Day

Pics./tweets from Jill.

Sitting in sun at pool. Where r u right now?

Swimming with @allyzarin in pool. Wasn't it yesterday when u where in first grade?

Ally-RHONY Talks To Lemondrop

Q&A from Lemondrop.

Ally Shapiro, the 20-year old daughter of Jill Zarin is a "Real Housewives of New York" background delight.


She has a kind smile; a sensibility beyond her years and a sarcasm that bursts through her shyness. When the show turns absurd (and when does it not?), Ally's coal-rimmed eyes seem to wink at the audience, as if to let us know she is just as taken aback as the rest of us.

I like her.

Despite her early fame, Ally hasn't been overcome by excess. She is involved with several charity organizations and currently serves as the co-president of the NY chapter of Teens Turning Green. Recently, she helped the organization launch a project called Project Green Dorm, which helps college freshman buy and create eco-friendly products for their dorm rooms. The project falls at an apt time for Ally, who is starting her freshman year at Sarah Lawrence this fall. Luckily, Lemondrop was able to chat with her before Move-in Day, to discuss her college fears, toxic-free foods and why she hopes to trek through Vietnam someday.

Lemondrop: Hey Ally! Where are you right now?

Ally Shapiro: At our House in Bridgehampton.

Have you talked to any of the other housewives' kids lately?
Yes! Lauren Manzo and her mom Caroline (from the Real Housewives of New Jersey) stayed with us this past weekend.

What is your biggest college fear?

The workload! I am so nervous about how I am going to balance school work, new friends, old ones, family, and free time. College will be a juggling act!

What is your major?

Well, I actually I have no majors. However, I will most likely be concentrating in photography along with Art History and Anthropology.

I like your photography blog. What would your dream photo shoot be?

I would love to travel the world shooting different families in their own cultures in rarely seen parts of the world. I just recently got back from spending time with Ladakhi Nomads in the Himalayas.

Any other hidden corners of our world you would like to help expose through your photography?

Yes! I would love to go to Burma (or Myanmar) and Vietnam in the next few years.

When did you first become interested in the environment?

When I was 10, I was diagnosed with arthritis. However, no doctor knew why, and no amount of medication could "cure" it. So, I figured that by eating all-natural, toxic-free foods I would at least be doing right by my body. Then I heard about the organization Teens Turning Green and their philosophy of freeing ourselves of toxins not only in our foods but in our workplace, school, home, and town.

What are some of your favorite places to buy cute, eco-friendly décor?

I love JC Penny, Apple and Bee, and The Green Depot. JCP has this fantastic new Simply Green program with great items for your dorm.

Who are your environmentalist heroes?
I love Joe Romm's blog; Erik Solheim's vision; and documentary filmmaker Mike H. Pandey.

The Zarin's At Sugar Factory

Post from Vegas World.

Jill Zarin, the fiery redhead of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York, made an appearance with husband Bobby and daughter Ally at Sugar Factory in Planet Hollywood this morning and signed autographs for fans.

Zarin, who has her real estate license and does marketing for her husband’s home furnishings and fabric store, was wearing a dress as bright and colorful as the decor in the confectionary. Since opening recently, Sugar Factory and its Couture Pops have been a star magnet, attracting the likes of Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria Parker, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Holly Madison and Mel B.

Photo: Wire Image

Photo: Wire Image

Jill/Ally Weekend Fun

Pic./Tweet from Jill.

@allyzarin helped set the table. What a view. Hungry after jet skiing on mecox bay all day with friends. How was ur weekend?

Jill and Ally promote Project Green Dorm

Post from Mom Logic.

Getty Images

by Vivian Manning Schaffel
As the current co-president of the New York chapter of Teens Turning Green (an organization devoted to education and advocacy about environmentally and socially responsible choices for individuals, schools and communities), Ally created "Project Green Dorm" to raise teen awareness about "an all-encompassing eco lifestyle."
Ally says her organic lifestyle has a made a huge impact on how she feels -- literally and figuratively. "I felt that the things around me weren't helping my situation. [Ally struggles with arthritis.] I took all the toxic chemicals out of my food, and I haven't been in pain in a while -- I've stopped taking my medicine! I realized it's not only food, but what I put on my body and what I use every day. I feel much better all around -- it's been essential for me."

She says "greening up" a dorm room can simply come down to making educated purchasing decisions. "It's pretty amazing how accessible organic stuff is today, but no one realizes it," she says. "People usually buy what's cheapest for their dorm, but places like JCPenney have organic stuff, too!"

Ally recommends a few easy ways to "green up" your kid's dorm:

•Reuse old furniture by painting it with no-VOC paint, such as YOLO Colorhouse.
•Invest in organic sheets. Ally swears by those made by Coyuchi.
•Ally's a big fan of using biodegradable laundry detergents like Soap Nuts -- just take three, put them into a canvas bag with your dirty laundry and stick quarters into the machine!
•Check out local antique or vintage shops for furniture. (Steer clear of plastic.)
•Buy lots of plants -- they produce oxygen and help clean the air.
Ally's proud mom, Jill Zarin, says it's important to support kids with their "green" mission.
"It's just a matter of educating your teenager," she says. "You have to show them the alternatives and encourage them to make the green choice. You also should give your kid a few extra dollars, because it's more expensive to be green and organic. Part of the experience of going to college is wanting to change the world -- and hopefully, what Ally's doing will help."

Hamptons Cover Celebration brings out the RHONY

Hamptons Cover Celebration With Beth Ostrosky Stern at Savanna's in Southampton, New York.

Ally Zarin loved India

Tweet/pic. from Ally Zarin about her trip to India.

India was AMAZING. here is a pic with me and three of the nomad Ladakhi children. JULEH!!!!!!!