Social Life parties in Water Mill

The model-turned-reality star Kelly Killoren Bensimon was feted at the Social Life magazine party in Water Mill on Saturday night.

The star of Bravo TV’s "The Real Housewives of New York City" graced the cover of the July 4 issue, and the magazine's publisher, Justin Mitchell, and editor-in-chief Devorah Rose, who stars in The CW’s "High Society," hosted the party to celebrate her.

The beauty, in a black Phillip Lim dress, was all smiles.

“It’s a huge honor to be on the July 4 issue,” Killoren Bensimon says. “It’s great exposure.”

Killoren Bensimon, a Hamptons staple, has been coming here since she was 16. She now lives in East Hampton with her two daughters, Sea and Teddy.

Killoren Bensimon says her favorite restaurants are Turtle Crossing (221 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-7166), Sam’s Restaurant (36 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, 631-324-5900), and Blue Parrot (33A Main St., East Hampton, 631-329-2583), explaining she likes places “off the beaten track.”

The third season of the "Housewives," which ended with great ratings, was a learning experience for Killoren Bensimon. During the now infamous "St. John" episode, her sanity was in question. Some called her behavior a breakdown, although she calls it a “breakthrough.”

“These people were not my friends,” Killoren Bensimon says. “I know how to handle the situation now. I have rules.” Unable to say whether she will be returning to the show, Bensimon does have something to say. “I [now] want to focus my time on empowering women,” she says.

The Mediterranean house in Water Mill, with its sleek and minimal interior design, was the perfect setting for the party. Many well-dressed guests sipped cocktails by the pool, hung out by the three outdoor bars, nibbled at hors d’oeuvres and mingled.

“It’s not that big,” one partygoer nevertheless opined.

On hand to support Killoren Bensimon were Jill Zarin, of "The Real Housewives of New York City," and her husband, Bobby, and daughter Ally and Brad Boles. John Basedow (yes, that exercise legend) and the spoiled rich kids, Peter “PC” Peterson and Kelli Tomashoff from Bravo TV’s "NYC Prep" were also there.

Where does Zarin like to eat when out in the Hamptons? Bobby Vans (2393 Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton, 631-537-0509), World Pie (2402 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, 631-537-7999), The Driver’s Seat (66 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-283-6606) and Hampton Coffee (869 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, 631-726-2633), Zarin says. The Long Island native, who lives in Manhattan, also rents a home in Bridgehampton.

Will Zarin be returning for the fourth season of "Housewives"?

“I can’t say,” Zarin says.

Stay tuned.

Kelly Killoren Bensimon is feted at the Social Life magazine party in Water Mill. (July 3, 2010)

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