The 3^rd Annual Fashion’s Night Out dawns upon us once again on Thursday, September 8th. The after-hours extravaganza includes a fantastic line-up of events filled with diamonds, cocktails, parties, and of course spectacular shopping. Here are a few of our favorite things: 

FNO Merrick Park 

The Village of Merrick Park will host an official Fashion’s Night Out event beginning at 6 p.m. The event will take place throughout the center and inside participating retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, Elemis Day Spa, Etro, Furla, Juicy Couture, KoKo & Palenki, Lacoste and Silvia Tcherassi, to name a few. Event components will include three Fashion’s Night Out Lounges which will feature cool music by DJ Ess & Emm, cocktails, delicious light bites, a sneak peek of Fall 2011 trends and many other exciting initiatives. New this year, the Village of Merrick Park will partner with Dress for Success Miami in supporting their campaign, “Check your bag at the door.” Donate your gently worn handbag and put in a check to help raise funds for Dress for Success Miami women’s program. Cap the evening off with a visit to one of the center’s many dining offerings including the recently opened Cinco Cantina & Tequila Bar, SAWA Restaurant & Lounge, Yard House and Villagio, among others.  

Neiman Marcus has teamed up with Niche Media’s Ocean Drive magazine to present a Pop-Up shop curated by Editor-in-Chief Suzy Buckley. The Ocean Drive Pop-up launches within Neiman Marcus’ South Florida stores for the month of September and features a handpicked selection of must-have trends as inspiration for the ultimate personal style.  The Pop-Up Shop will feature a total of 12 diverse style expressions for men and women, each chosen to reflect unique themes including ‘Evening/Gala,’ ‘Weekend Leisure,’ ‘Night Out,’ ‘Power Lunch,’ ‘Date Night’ and ‘Weekend Getaway.’  In honor of fall fashion, the Ocean Drive magazine Pop-Up at Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Neiman Marcus Fort Lauderdale will make its debut from September 1 through 30 with its kick-off event taking place during Fashion’s Night Out at the Coral Gables location at Merrick Park.  The Bal Harbour location will be on display from September 9 through 30, with a special event celebrating Ocean Drive’s 10th Annual Fall Fashion Week on Wednesday, September 21. Additionally, Pop-up shoppers will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a night out as a VIP with Ocean Drive magazine. The VIP package includes dinner with Ocean Drive’s magazine cover star, an invite to a highly coveted cover release party and a one-night stay at a luxurious Miami hotel.  Potential winners can enter to win at Neiman Marcus stores at Coral Gables, Bal Harbour and Fort Lauderdale throughout the month of September.

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland 

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland will transform into fashion’s ultimate social media party with a night of style, makeovers, music and more. Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has invited three charities (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, Humane Society of Greater Miami and Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program) to participate in a night of shopping that will benefit these charities and give back to the community. Start the night out on the ground floor with the FENDI Fatto a Mano event. In this incredible workshop, the customer will be able to design his/her very own, completely one-of-a-kind Selleria bag. A Fendi craftsman will be present to help the clients choose from a selection of gorgeous exotics, leathers and trims in a wide range of colors. Customers will also enjoy complimentary makeovers in the Beauty Department, as the expert artist teams demonstrate the best ways to get the season’s latest looks.  As part of the FNO @Saks theme, customers are invited to tweet and Facebook their new looks directly from the Beauty Department. The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental, Miami will be offering five minute neck massages and raffling of a gift certificate to their spa. The Fur Salon located on the second level, will be hosting an exclusive trunk show of must have pieces by American Fur Designers with the Fine Jewelry department will host a Vhernier trunk show.AOL will be hosting interactive iPad kiosk for clients to check in with Stylelist, the source for the latest fashion news and trends, to test your Fall Fashion IQ for the chance to win exclusive prizes. 

The event will be accompanied by sexy cocktails provided by SX Liquors and The Capital Grille will be present during the night. The affair will also have DJs in the contemporary department and handbags department. In addition, Jennifer Valoppi, president and founder of Women of Tomorrow will be signing her book Certain Cure. For further information, visit the Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland Facebook page for an updated event schedule.

 FNO Bal Harbour Shops:

 De Beers Book Launch 

De Beers invites you to join Allison Weiss Brady and Cheryl Peisach at De Beers at Bal Harbour Shops on Thursday, September 8, from 7 to 10 pm for a VIP cocktail party to celebrate the launch of De Beers Jewellery, (intentional spelling) a book that provides an insider’s glimpse into the fascinating world of diamonds, published by Assouline.  The event will benefit Gene Spotlight, a South Florida-based organization which provides medical research grants to find better treatments and cures for some of the 7,000 rare genetic disorders.  Catered by Le Basque, refreshing champagne and sparkling water will be served, as well as scrumptious passed hors d’oeuvres, and delicious macaroons for dessert.  Space is limited.  Contact BHFNO@DEBEERS.COM for further information.

Chloé Bal Harbour  

Chloé Bal Harbour is hosting a Fashion’s Night Out “Free Your Photos” event. Capture the experience of creating instant memories with your digital camera or Bluetooth-enabled Smartphone and snap away at the latest fashion trends, then link up to Polaroid’s new GL10 Instant Mobile Printer and leave with a keepsake courtesy of Chloé- photos that can be shared instantly. Designed by Polaroid and Lady Gaga, the GL10 Instant Mobile Printer is an instant printer that you can take around with you to wirelessly print photos from your phone via Bluetooth or computers and digital cameras via USB. Sip champagne, enjoy live beats by DJ Johnny the Boy and shop the Chloé Fall & Winter 2011 collections from 7 to 10 p.m. 

Yves Saint Laurent and Bass Museum of Art 

From 7 to 10 p.m., fashion and art unite for an evening of shopping, sweets and giving back. A strong supporter of the arts, Yves Saint Laurent Bal Harbour has partnered with the Bass Museum of Art.  Fifteen percent of the evening’s profits will be donated to the museum. Yves Saint Laurent invites guests to indulge in complimentary champagne and gourmet macaroons while getting a first look of the brand’s latest “IT handbag” Cabas Chyc. All guests who purchase a Cabas Chyc handbag and reference the Bass Museum of Art, will enjoy a fabulous gift with purchase package including a pair of YSL sunglasses, scarf, a beauty kit and an official Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt. This offer will be available September 7^th through 9th, and is only available to Bass Museum guests.

FNO Aventura Mall 

Zingara Swimwear will treat shoppers to cupcakes by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe, champagne and a full espresso bar from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. By shopping Zingara’s summer 2011 collections guests will automatically be entered to win a “Beach Accessories Set.” Complimentary beach sandals will also be given as a gift with purchases over $200. Complete your beach-ready looks with a matching hairstyle. Blo Blow Dry Bar (www.blomedry.com) will be on-site for dry styling, offering expert tips and revealing how-to secrets. Stop by and get fab-in-a-flash with a perfect pony, fun and flirty curls or even a boho braid. 

**Be sure to check back next week for even more fashionable happenings.

Sasha Grey

Porn-star-come-actress Sasha Grey can add DJ to her resume now.  Grey showed-off her turntable skills at Mokai last Friday night. Grey dined at Kane Steakhouse feasting on steak and Kane’s famous donuts in a box along with her photographer fiancé before heading to Mokai to spin tunes by Lady Gaga, Beyonce and JLo for the raucous crowd.

Colombiana star Zoe Saldana had the ultimate girls’ night out at Mokai’s Ransom

Monday party where she showed up dressed to kill in a black pantsuit and bright

red lipstick with a girlfriend in tow. Taking the table next to the DJ booth,

Saldana drank several Grey Goose cocktails and partied well past 3 a.m.

Will Smith with Trey Songz

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Trey Songz Hosts Moet Rose Lounge 

Singer/songwriter/actor, Trey Songz hosted a private party last Thursday night for 150 guests at the Setai penthouse, dubbed the Moët Rose Lounge for the evening. The handsome 23 year-old brought his mother as his date and together, they accepted a $5,000 check from Moet for Songz’s Angels with Heart foundation, toasted with guests and cut a three-tier chocolate cake.  The Foundation is Songz’s call to action for his fans to give back to their communities through random acts of kindness. 

The otherwise subdued soiree was energized at around midnight, when Will Smith showed up.  Smith, who is working on Men In Black III to be released in May 2012 was also reportedly spotted at Prime 112 and Fontainebleau over the weekend. Read the rest of this entry »

One Stop Safety Shop at Give Wink

Join Aventura’s Give Wink on Thursday, August 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for a one-stop Safety Shop to help South Florida parents learn how to better protect their children. Collaborators include Guard-A-Kid, One Beat CPR, and My Privates are Private author, Stacey Honowitz who will be offering services, tips, and advice all day long. Guard-A-Kid, members of the nation’s most highly-recognized Child Identification and Child Safety Program, will be on site with special packages that include two ID cards with finger prints of their little ones. This information is automatically dispersed nationwide if a kidnapping occurs; packages start at $22. One Beat CPR, certified CPR trainers, will be giving quick consultations on how to use CPR for emergency situations. Groups of 8 or more who register at Give Wink will receive 15% off CPR training classes, and Stacey Honowitz, author of My Privates are Private will be signing books at Give Wink and explaining the importance of open communication between kids and their parents. For more information visit, www.GiveWink.com.

Miami Recognition Dinner “Sparkle” Preview Party

Join the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for the official Miami Recognition Dinner “Sparkle” Preview Party on Thursday, August 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at South Beach hotspot Vice Lounge Miami. Sip and socialize as event details are unveiled and meet committee members, table hosts and Task Force supporters. Last year’s Miami Recognition Dinner was the most successful ever, raising more than $410,000. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase tickets and tables to this year’s dinner taking place on Saturday, October 15, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.  Guests will be treated to a complimentary open bar courtesy of 42 BELOW Vodka and light bites by Vice Lounge from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Cocktails, beer and wine will be available at half-price from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend – to RSVP please rsvp@theTaskForce.org.

The Power of Music at the Stage

 On Friday, August 26 from 6 to 10 pm, you are invited to sip, mingle and boogie at the Stage (170 NE 38 Street), while supporting music programs for the foster youth of The Motivational Edge.  The evening will include live performances by Sekajipo genes, the Jungle, and Jordan Robinson and will feature beer and drink specials.  

WMC co-founder, DJ Bill Kelly will spin a set and the Motivational Edge’s youth will display their skills.  Spam All Stars will also be performing at around 7 p.m. There will be raffles and a silent auction, so bring plenty of business cards and your credit card.  There is a $15 suggested minimum donation at the door. RSVP to Info@TheMotivationalEdge.com or 305.350.3950

Ibiza Animal House Birthday Celebration at WALL

WALL Miami lounge co-owner Nicola Siervo, along with Karim Masri, Navin Chatani and Jarred Grant, will host an Ibiza Animal House-themed birthday celebration at the Miami Beach hotspot on Saturday, August 27 at 11:00 p.m. International mix masters Iban Mendoza (Spain) and Neverdogs (Italy) will be on tap for the evening to make their U.S. debut with the signature Balearic beats of the south of Spain. Guests are also encouraged to dress the part and channel their animal instincts, further adding to the Ibiza flare, and will receive complimentary animal masks upon entry. RSVPs and table reservations are encouraged by contacting rsvp@wallmiami.com or via the WALL iPhone application, available at www.itunes.com.

Big Birthdays at Bongos

Fabulous Drag Queens Elaine Lancaster and Kitty Meow will celebrate their birthdays with a party on August 27 at Bongos Hard Rock Hollywood.  This year’s theme is Reverse It- and the “hostesses” promise to bring you all of the great music of the 1990s.  The celebration starts with dinner at 9 p.m. followed by DJ sets by Bill Hallquist and shows throughout the evening.  For more information, call 305.791.3040.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Ultimate Girls’ Night Out and Launch of InterviewHer.com

In the first installment of what will become a monthly series of events, InterviewHer.com invites Miami’s most in-the-know women to attend an exclusive event to celebrate beauty, fashion and success. Tagged as “The Ultimate Girls’ Night Out,” will be hosted at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge on Thursday, September 1, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Jenny Ortiz, a former recruiter, has created an editorial-based website that features insightful and in-depth interviews with powerful female entrepreneurs. Following almost two years of building a loyal following and network, InterviewHer.com has taken connecting women to the next level with the recent launch of the InterviewHer.com interactive website. Guests will enjoy specialty beauty services, discounted shopping, and   exclusive bites and cocktails furnished by Cafeina from 7:00   to 8:00 p.m., along with cake pops to satiate sweet cravings.VIP ticket holders will receive goodie bags stuffed with full-size, custom-created beauty products, specialty discounts, lifestyle products and more. Tickets are available for purchase at http://wwwinterviewher.eventbrite.com/. General admission tickets are $12 in advance and $20 at the door (cash only); VIP tickets are available for $20 in advance and $30 at the door (cash only). Tickets are required for admission. 
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit FINCA, an international micro-finance organization that provides financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs.

 Jay-Z held court at LIV at the Fontainebleau until just after 4 am for the highly anticipated Imagine Sundays party which he was scheduled to co-host with Kanye West, who was a no-show.   The party was to promote Jay-Z and West’s new album, “Watch the Throne.”  In lieu of performing, Jay-Z hung out behind the DJ booth and spent an unprecedented $250, 000 on Belvedere and Armand de Brignac champagne- setting the record for the most money ever spent by an individual at LIV, on a single night. The mogul reportedly left a $50,000 tip.   

Earlier in the week, Pete Wentz and his band, Black Cards performed at LIV.

Not a “sighting” per se, nor technically a “celebrity” (but it IS summer in Miami so pickings are slim)- Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Boca Tanning Club announced a partnership last week, so expect to see a lot more of this extra crispy Jersey Shore “star,” who coined the acronym, “GTL” (Gym, Tan, Laundry).  Sorrentino says the “T” now officially comes courtesy of Boca Tanning.

Criselda Breene, Lara Shriftman, Kate Betts, Sarah Harrelson, Iran Issa-Khan

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Everyday Icon at Mister Collins

Last Tuesday, amid tropical storm warnings and torrential downpours, a stellar group converged at Mister Collins inside ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa for the launch of fashion journalist and style guru, Kate Betts’ celebrated book, Everyday Icon, Michelle Obama and the Power of Style.  At the elite gathering, hosted by a very svelte, Lara Shriftman; Iran Issa-Khan, Sarah Harrelson and Criselda Breene, the charming author mingled with guests and shared anecdotes about the arduous process behind writing and rewriting her book (20+ revisions) and chatted about the book’s behind-the-scenes accounts of the First Lady’s fashion statements. Strikingly dressed like a style icon herself, Betts wore a summer caftan by Jeannie McQueeny, pants by Derek Lam and RK Reed Krakoff heels.  Betts’ beautiful six-year old daughter was also dressed to the nines at the party.  Read the rest of this entry »