By: Maryanne Salvat 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 

South Beach will once again come alive this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event returns for the ninth year. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will heat up the sands of The Raleigh Hotel with five days of designer runway shows, presentations and parties beginning on July 18 through July 22. IMG Fashion is proud to present an extensive list of incredible designers who will be presenting their latest Collections including: AGUA BENDITA, POKO PANO, DOLORES CORTES, WILDFOX SWIM, BEACH BUNNY, NICOLITA, AQUA DI LARA, MARA HOFFMAN SWIM, VIX SWIMWEAR, CIA.MARITIMA, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, GOTTEX, OAKLEY, L*SPACE BY MONICA WISE, A.Z ARAUJO, LULI FAMA, CAFFE SWIMWEAR, MAAJI SWIMWEAR, SAUVAGE, ZINGARA SWIMWEAR, 6 SHORE ROAD, A.CHE SWIMWEAR, AGUACLARA, AQUARELLA SWIMWEAR, CAITLIN KELLY SWIMWEAR and MINIMALE ANIMALE. To kick-off this exciting event ROXY will be showcasing their designs and celebrating 25 years in the industry with ROXY Pop Surf at the Raleigh pool deck on Thursday evening. Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express, TRESemme, Smashbox Cosmetics, Ipanema, The Raleigh, Ocean Drive Magazine and Getty Images; for the official schedule visit:   http://miami.mbfashionweek.com/home.   FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach SWIM On July 17, FUNKSHION Fashion Week Miami Beach will swim into its 24^th season in Miami Beach. Debuted in 2003, FUNKSHION has brought Miami to the forefront of the South Florida Fashion World, working with designers from Miami, Latin America, New York City, Milan and Paris.  FUNKSHION offers an opportunity for designer collections to come to life, merging the worlds of fashion and music.  As with every season, since the inception of Funkshion, most shows are open to the general public free of charge.  Potential guests do need to officially rsvp at:  WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM Or  WWW.FUNKSHION.COM.

STYLE SAVES SWIM 

On Friday, July 19, stay stylish by giving back! To kick-off Miami Swim Week, Style Saves will host an exclusive event at the ultra-chic Soho Beach House, Miami, coordinated by In House Ideas. STYLE SAVES SWIM presented by Schick Quattro For Women Trimstyle, will celebrate the launch of CABANA, the beachwear trade event. For the third year, Style Saves’ Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser will gather 400 of Miami’s most recognized and influential people together to support Style Saves’ mission of “building confidence through clothes and giving a fresh start through fashion” to local underprivileged students in South Florida. In collaboration with The Miami Foundation, Style Saves’ mission is to imbue students with the self-confidence and assurance they need to succeed, both academically and personally. The event will feature three back-to-back designer fashion shows, sponsored open bar and sounds by DJ RUEN. FORD models will strut the runway showcasing designers from CABANA, the beachwear trade event and looks from swim retailer ATRIUM. To open the show, Venezuelan men’s swimwear line Crasqi will make their Swim Week debut. Guests will enjoy cocktails by Belvedere Vodka, Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer and Perrier Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, plus sweet treats from Stella’s Sweet Shoppe. The Funclick interactive photo booth sponsored by Metro 1 Properties will let guests capture memories to take home using the hashtag #stylesavesswim. Presenting sponsor, Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle is the perfect partner to the swim theme, encouraging gals to get bikini-ready with the only razor and bikini trimmer in one. Fashion magazine Vogue Brasil and lifestyle publication Haute Living will cover the event as media sponsors while World Red Eye shoots as the official photographer.Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit: http://stylesaves.charityhappenings.org/; To learn more about Style Saves visit, www.stylesaves.org.

One year after the launch of The Paradise Fund: Miami, join for a night in historic 1957 Havana in grand “Paradise” fashion. Havana in the early 1950′s was a top tourist and nightlife destination. Havana, in its heyday, became known as the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean. Swanky Hotels, Cabarets, Nightclubs and Casinos could be found in abundance. This year, guests will be transported back to Havana’s glory days! Come enjoy tropical cocktails, seasonal bites, freshly rolled cigars and live, Cuban music from the era. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Paradise Fund’s Haiti-based education and development projects. Individual tickets are $150

2^nd Annual Youth Fitness Clinic

On Saturday, July 20 Little Lighthouse Foundation is calling all volunteers to participate in the 2^nd annual Youth Fitness Clinic at Ansin Sports Complex hosted by Rosenhaus Sports and participating clients. From 9AM – 12PM, 250 youth will participate in outdoor activities with twelve drill stations highlighting simple athletic movements. Each station will be equipped with volunteers, featuring cones, tackle dummies, ladders, passing, and more. Past NFL participants include Plaxico Burress, Jared Odrick, James Pruitt, and Robert Bailey. The Youth Clinic is free of charge and beverages and a commemorative t-shirt will be provided to all participants. If you are interested in volunteering or know youth interested in participating, contact Reed at Reed@v2rgroup.com or 305.417.8553 for a registration waiver.  

Taste of the Nation

South Florida  Share Our Strength, the country’s leading anti-hunger organization and producer of the highly respected annual nationwide culinary benefit, Taste of the Nation, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the fight to end childhood hunger across America, is getting ready to roll.  Now called Taste of the Nation South Florida and bigger than ever, this year the region’s premier culinary benefit is showcasing more than 50 fabulous restaurants from both Dade and Broward counties, the finest wines and spirits, and an impressive array of auction items.  The much-anticipated event will take place Thursday, July 25, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., in the spacious main ballroom of the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Tickets, priced at $125 per person as well as VIP tickets priced at $250 per person and providing access to the event an hour before the doors open, are available at: www.tasteofthenation.org. One hundred percent of ticket sales go to Share Our Strength to fight childhood hunger. 

By: Maryanne Salvat

Dave and Buster’s ‘Next Big Game’ Contest

“If you win the contest to create a new game, what could possibly be a better reward than free games for life at Dave & Buster’s?”

Kevin Bachus, senior vice president of Entertainment

Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter, all legendary games that have been played and loved by millions; Now, in a ground-breaking competition, Dave & Buster’s is turning to its guests to continue that tradition of arcade game greatness by asking one simple question: what’s your big game idea? Dave & Buster’s has partnered with VH1, MTV and Comedy Central to launch a new contest in search of the ‘Next Big Game’.  As an industry leader in entertainment, Dave & Buster’s is taking games to the next level, by giving the public a chance to come up with the next legendary game concept. The contest is currently running until July 15, and is open to residents of the continental United States.  The winner will not only have the opportunity to have their winning game designed as a mobile app or featured as an arcade attraction in Dave & Buster’s nation-wide, but may also win free games for life. You can enter the contest online at http://www.NEXTGAME.cc.com.

Win A Gucci Fiat 500 at Cameo

Every guest who visits hotspot Cameo during the month of July will receive a raffle ticket upon entry to win a Fiat 500 by Gucci. Cameo is in possession of one of the hottest cars on the road right now, the ultra-hot Fiat featuring those unforgettable red and green stripes, and one lucky visitor will drive away in it when the winner is announced on CameoMiami.com on Saturday, August 3. For more information visit the Cameo website or hit up Cameo Miami Beach.

Midtown Pawn Boutique

On July 13, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Midtown Miami officially welcomes Midtown Pawn Boutique, an upscale, revolutionary, Miami-style take on the traditional notion of “pawn.” According to Co-Founder Adriana Hernandez Jimenez, it’s like the Neiman Marcus of Pawn, the Mercedes-Benz of Pawn, the Tiffany’s of Pawn. The Boutique features a giant mural that takes up the entire front and side of the large brand-new building – one that took over 5 years to complete. The mural, created by Wynwood artist and girl-power darling, Diana Contreras (best known for “Sofia Rose”), will be unveiled at the grand opening. The subject of the mural might seem an odd choice for a pawn shop, until Hernandez tells the story behind it. It is inspired by Queen Isabella, who, as legend has it, pawned the crown jewels of Spain to fund Christopher Columbus’ speculative voyage to “India,” an investment so successful that it lifted her kingdom out of a crippling debt that almost ruined it.Guests are encouraged to “Bring An Asset” to the party and have it appraised – an Antiques Roadshow-inspired way for guests to jump in and learn firsthand what their often-overlooked possessions are worth. Valuation Specialists from a variety of fields, from art and jewelry to antiques and handbags, and everything in between, will be onsite educating guests on “the story of their stuff.” During the event, donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit Dr. Gigi’s Raise Me Up Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 that provides free recreational programs, family support services and therapeutic programs to children with special needs in the South Florida Community.

Irie Weekend

CU-1 Gallery: Look At Me

On Thursday, June 27, CU-1 Gallery, located in downtown Miami’s iconic Security Building, will celebrate its inaugural opening exhibition, Look At Me, featuring works by renowned European photographers including Roger Weber, Christopher Thomas and Simon Emmit with Paul Solomons and will  run in tandem with the opening of Kiwi Art Group‘s Andy Warhol-dedicated exhibition, Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy. For additional information or to RSVP to attend, contact CU-1@ideason8.com.  

Magic City Package at W South Beach

In light of season two of the STARZ hit series Magic City,W South Beach Hotel & Residences is launching its newest package inspired by the sexy, Miami-based television show. Bringing to life the acclaimed television show, set in Miami Beach circa 1959, the oceanfront luxury hotel presents a unique package and sweepstakes offering for Magic City enthusiasts. As a part of a first-time partnership between W South Beach Hotel & Residences and the television series, the Magic City package is available for purchase now through August, for stays until December 2013. Guests will be invited to revel in the sexy decadence of life as a Miami Beach hotelier with rates starting at $429/night.  The Magic City package is available for booking at http://www.wsouthbeach.com/Magic-City or by calling 1.877.822.0000 and using promo code LBPKG. Pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity and is subject to availability. Some restrictions apply.

 The Local House Summer Specials

The Local House, the intimate, chic Hamptons-style oasis known for its fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is pleased to launch two distinct Summer Specials menus. Now available Monday – Thursday from 11:30am to 3:00pm, Lunch is prix fixe at $21 per person, including an appetizer, main course and dessert, including favorites such as Goat Cheese Croquettes, Half Dozen Fresh Oysters, Chicken Paillard & Summer Salad, Grilled Salmon With Ratatouille and Local House Bread Pudding (with vanilla gelato). The Summer Specials also extend to Sunset Dinner, served Sunday through Thursday from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, prix fixe priced at $32 per person, including an appetizer, main course and dessert, including favorites such as Crispy Calamari, Local House Crab Cake, Pasta Bolognese, Tuna Sliders, and Pineapple Crème Caramel.

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

On Thursday, June 27 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) welcomes new PAMM Contemporaries members at the group’s highly-anticipated Friendraiser, the Museum’s first official event as PAMM. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Biscayne Bay in the enchanted gardens of The Standard Spa Miami Beach, the event will feature an exclusive DJ and visual performance by Los Jaichackers, a Los Angeles – and Phoenix – based multimedia art collaborative. Los Jaichackers (Spanglish for hijackers) are known for tracing ‘the global DNA of emerging musical subcultures in Latin America, the border, the United States, and abroad.’ The duo will also be capturing film and audio on-site for a major performance that will take place at PAMM’s December opening, giving attendees a glimpse into the Museum’s opening/Miami Art Week celebration, and the chance to be a part of it. Pérez Art Museum Miami’s new, state-of-the-art facility, now under construction in downtown Miami’s Museum Park alongside Biscayne Bay, is designed by world renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, and features 200,000 square feet of programmable space. New PAMM Contemporaries members who join the group between May 1 and the time of the event can attend. Current PAMM Contemporaries must refer a new member or renew their membership to attend. For more information or to join and receive an invitation, contact mamcontemporaries@miamiartmuseum.org or 305.375.1727.

The Flat. Catch Game 6 in style with the chicest happy hour South of Fifth. Very Happy Hour(s) at The Flat offers signature cocktails, craft beer and wine ranging from $5 to $8 available from 8 to 10 p.m. View the game on a jumbo projection screen and enjoy signature sips such as the Empire State, Peached Old Fashion and the Suite 180. For more information, call 305.531.3528,  www.theflatmiami.com.

RA Sushi in South Miami. Spice up your Game 6 watch party and order one of RA’s “Big Three” sushi platters. Ranging from $70 to $120, these three platters – the Maki Maki, Tsukiji Combo and Harajuku Combo – are large enough to share in the office or even host a block party! For more information, call 305.341.0092, www.facebook.com/RASushiSouthMiami.

South Shore and Florida Cookery Patio at The James Royal Palm. Head in to the South Shore rum bar or sit at the Florida Cookery Patio pool bar for Miami HEAT specials including two-for-one Bacardi rum-inspired cocktails from 7:00 p.m. to midnight while you cheer on “The Big Three.” A Florida Cookery small bites menu will be available as well as $10 validated valet parking. For more information, call 305.604.5700, www.jameshotels.com/miami/eat-drink.

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar. After the game’s over, head over to The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar to enjoy table sharing bites prepared by Chef Dewey LoSasso and signature cocktails crafted by mixologist Andres Aleman, available from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Miami HEAT players Chris Bosh and Juwan Howard have been known to celebrate in style at the restaurant after major game victories. For more information, call 305.538.8533| www.theforge.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

End of the School Year Pampering at Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon

With the end of the school calendar looming, it is time for teachers to unwind and be appreciated for all their hard work. To thank educators for their contributions to the community, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon is hosting a summer-long, teacher appreciation promotion from June 21 (summer solstice and longest day of the year) to Labor Day, September 2. Select luxury spa treatments will be offered at the discounted rate of $20.13 to celebrate the end of the 2012-2013 academic year.   For more information visit: www.sevenseasspasalon.com.

Old Fashioned Wednesdays at Cecconi’s Miami Beach 

Cecconi’s Miami Beach presents ” Old Fashioned Wednesdays” the first-ever weekly event of its kind at the intimate restaurant nestled on the ground floor of Soho Beach House.  Live jazz music sets the scene for guests to enjoy classic hand crafted  old fashioned drinks for $10. Wednesday nights also bring an exclusive traditional Venetian Cicchetti menu .Guests can choose 3 items for $15 and add additional for $4.These Italian-style small plates are a delightful way to sample a variety of Venetian specialties Cecconi’s has to offer. 

Lone Ranger Ride For Justice Social Media 

In preparation for the much anticipated release of The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, Disney is encouraging fans to participate in “The Lone Ranger Ride For Justice.” Disney took the iconic characters from The Lone Ranger movie and franchise and brought them to life – literally – as a storytelling device for the campaign. Now through July 4^th, Life-size and ultra-realistic statues of the Lone Ranger and Tonto riding horseback will be embarking on a journey across the country. They will be gracing rooftops, mountaintops and famous landmarks along the way, only staying long enough in each city to be discovered by the locals before they continue their ride westward. The twist is that no one will know where Lone Ranger and Tonto will appear or where they’re going next. Disney is challenging the public through social media to participate in a scavenger hunt to find the physical statues, or to guess their location based on a photo clue. In each city, two clues will be released on The Lone Ranger Ride for Justice tumblr page http://lonerangerrideforjustice.tumblr.com  and photo clues will be posted on Instagram http://instagram.com/LoneRangerMovie. Fans can then upload pictures of the statues to Twitter or Instagram with #LRRideForJustice for a chance to win prizes.

Cosmopolitan en Español 

Cosmopolitan en Español, the leading Spanish-language fashion and beauty magazine for the fun, fearless Hispanic female, is proud to kick off the summer season with its annual Beach Bash event hosted by Editor-in-Chief Ana Victoria Taché, along with presenting sponsors Splat, Samsara Imports and L.A. Colors Cosmetics at Nikki Beach. The “after-beach” party will feature an exciting variety of entertainment. After enjoying a welcome refreshment at the door, friends and fans are invited to experiment with a flirty new look at the Splat station, featuring color hair extensions and washables, or at L.A. Colors’ makeup bar. Refreshing cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Before leaving, guests can capture the moment at a Polaroid photo booth. The first 250 guests will receive an exclusive VIP gift bag that includes a Cosmopolitan en Español water bottle and additional products courtesy of Splat, Samsara Imports and L.A. Colors Cosmetics.Guests must RSVP to RSVP@televisapublishing.com.  

Summer Seafood Kickoff at Florida Cookery

Florida Cookery at The James Royal Palm will host its first annual Summer Seafood Kickoff introducing the new seafood-driven Summer Menu on Friday, June 21 – the first official day of Summer – with a poolside celebration from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the newly opened Florida Cookery Patio. South Floridians will be pleased to hear that the Summer Menu brings with it a 50 percent discount on select beverages & complimentary valet parking for locals (seven days a week) through Labor Day.  The kick-off party, which is free and open to the public with RSVP to FloridaCookery@taraink.com, will enjoy complimentary local beer, wine and light bites from the new menu.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Zeidy’s Grand Opening

Shopping for Father’s Day will be smooth sailing thanks to a new retail destination in Miami Beach : Zeidy’s. Located next to The Forge Restaurant and Wine Bar, the men’s store will host a special Grand Opening “Wine & Cheese” event on Thursday, June 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. Guests must RSVP by emailing info@thinkpeacock.com.

Omaha Steaks Spectacular Deals!

It’s almost Father’s Day, and there’s no better way to treat your dad or any special guy you know this year with world-famous Omaha Steaks! At prices up to 68% off, you can afford to treat yourself too! Shop now and save big, this offer won’t last long! For this great gift visit: www.omahasteaks.com/fathersday2013.

Commemoration for Sailor Jerry

Sailor Jerry, the iconic Spiced Rum, today announced it will partner with popular Miami watering holes Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, Sandbar Grill and Blackbird Ordinary to host a celebration to commemorate the life of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, the father of the old school tattooing and the inspiration behind the rum brand itself on Wednesday, June 12. Recognized as “Sailor Jerry Day,” June 12^th is the date Collins passed away in 1973. If Collins was alive today, he would be turning 102 years old this year. To mark the occasion, drink specials will be available on Sailor Jerry cocktails such as the Backyard Tea (Arnold Palmer with Sailor Jerry)and Sailor Moons(shot of Sailor Jerry in a Blue Moon beer) at participating locationsthroughout the evening. Fans will also be invited to join a hula hoop contest at Brother Jimmy’s BBQ for a chance to win a Sailor Jerry duffle bag filled with Sailor Jerry goodies.

ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night

Amigos For Kids, a Miami-based nonprofit organization that aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families and educating communities, will host its signature annual fundraiser, ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night. The event will take place on Saturday, June 15, at 8:00 p.m. at Jungle Island.

The evening will feature celebrity domino players, bar courtesy of presenting sponsor, Bacardí USA, and an exciting silent auction featuring the original artwork for this year’s painting by Carlos Navarro, “Conga y Domino.” Also, for the first time ever, the organization, will have a special multi-channel appeal via its social impact wall, which will inform attendees on the different ways they can help Amigos further its mission. The social impact wall gives attendees insight into the different work that the organization does through its programs, events and annual back-to-school and toy drive. A unique text-to-donate feature will also be available for guests who wish to contribute on-site. The organization creates awareness through public service campaigns and high-profile fundraising events such as the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night. To become an Amigo by donating your time or other resources to children in need, call 305.279.1155 or visit www.amigosforkids.org.

RA Sushi in South Miami Celebrates International Sushi Day

RA Sushi in South Miami will celebrate International Sushi Day on Tuesday, June 18, encouraging Miami residents to eat more sushi. To honor this special day, members of “The Hook Up” – RA’s preferred customer email program – will receive a special offer for one complimentary Tootsy Maki with the purchase of any beverage. The complimentary Tootsy Maki certificate will be emailed to “The Hook Up” members on June 18, to be redeemed that same day. Those not yet members of “The Hook Up” can sign up by Friday, June 14, at www.RAsushi.com to receive the offer.