Falling for Spring Fashions

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ushered in a new era this year with the historical move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center and a major upgrade in technology: the addition of Fashion GPS-which streamlined communication and expedited check-in procedures.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg showed his support for the move, declaring, that he thought Lincoln Center would be a “perfect place for a fashion show–fashion is art.”  He went on to say, “New York City is fully committed to the health and growth of our fashion industry.”

The consensus among organizers and industry insiders was that this inaugural season at Lincoln Center was a success.  A common thread among designers for their spring collections was the presence of beige, which ruled the runways, alongside neighbors on the color palette, white and ivory-in sheer and non-sheer fabrics and the requisite spattering of black.  Several designers showcased vintage designs, including Gottex and Betsey Johnson, with a throwback to the 80s and Marc Jacobs with his Studio 54 inspired 70s designs, complete with vintage accessories and big floppy hats.

Despite having a mere 36 hours of non-stop fashion week bliss this season, which is akin to squeezing in all of Art Basel in one day or savoring South Beach Wine and Food Festival in a morning,  we’ve put together a brief recap of the good, the great and the “we-couldn’t-make-this-up-if we-tried!”

Read the rest of this entry »

Season’s Bests 2010- Part II

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

maryjoshore@aol.com

This week we continue our guide to the best Miami has to offer in the words of some of the city’s top tastemakers.  Check back next week for even more great recommendations. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

maryjoshore@aol.com

Tastemaker–noun

A person that establishes or strongly influences what is considered to be stylish, acceptable, or worthwhile in a given sphere of interest…

We’ve asked a few of our favorite tastemakers, whose “fabulocity” makes Miami such a “fabulous city” to weigh-in on some of their favorite nightlife venues, hotels, restaurants and pursuits.

In this two-part series, you’ll find a short list of places and delights you don’t want to miss. Be sure to check back next week for Season’s Bests 2010- Part II. Read the rest of this entry »

Carlos Gomez, Matt Passmore, Michelle Hurd, stars of The Glades

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

It’s not every day we get to party in a former orthodox synagogue, much less rub elbows with celebs, ogle luxury watches, enjoy premium cocktails and fabulous hors d ’oeuvres, erstwhile entertainers on stilts vie for our attention in said temple. A little on the “unorthodox” side, you might say. Add to that, the fact that we were almost run over by a sports car, being driven by the hunky Burn Notice star, Jeffrey Donovan INSIDE the former temple!!! Well such was the case last Thursday, as TAG Heuer, the stylish Swiss watch brand celebrated its 150^th anniversary and paid tribute to its pioneering spirit at an exclusive “Odyssey of Pioneers” private cocktail party and timepiece exhibition at the Temple House on Miami Beach (formerly the 1, 000 member Kneseth Israel Congregation). Two hundred of Miami’s crème de la crème received the VIP treatment, as they were greeted at the valet stop a few blocks from the Temple House and transported via luxury limo bus to the party. Read the rest of this entry »

Happy Birthday Lucky Strike!

by: Mary Jo Shore

One of the advantages of the slow summer months is that we get to enjoy local spots and events that often get overlooked during the busy social season. Take Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary last Thursday. While South Beach is not typically hailed as a bowling destination, Lucky Strike has been attracting locals and celebs for half a decade, thanks to its cool vibe, great music, delicious food and excellent service.  Last Thursday’s party was a combination of all of the above, where more than 250 guests were treated to a ’50s pinup-themed party, which featured a photo booth, temporary tattoos by Ocho Placas, and old school tunes by DJ Di Marco spun old school tunes,  and of course, bowling. Read the rest of this entry »

Nick D'Annunzio and Tara Solomon

One event to which we look forward every summer is TARA, Ink. Principal, Nick D’Annunzio’s birthday party. Some locals even plan their summer travels around the celebration, which promises a fabulous theme- and even better crowd, year after year.  This year’s party, which took place last Saturday night, was no exception, with a “vintage tease/burlesque” theme at Miami’s first and only exclusive tease burlesque absinthe club, La Fee Verte.

Miami’s who’s who, dressed in their haute-est couture, enjoyed V Georgio Vodka cocktails, hors d’oeuvres courtesy of French Bistro Lemon Twist and delectable treats courtesy of Sweet Street and Ana Paz Cakes, who created a cake in the shape of a corset, in keeping with the theme. The burlesque numbers were unmatched, including contortionist acts and a ballet performance-leading to comments by partygoers such as, “If I could do that, I’d be a very wealthy woman,” and “Who needs college, when you can do THAT!?” (from one of the younger attendees). Guests delighted in a surprise performance by temptress Nicole Soden of the club’s tantalizing Madames du Mischief and danced the night away to the beats of South Florida’s latest stylish DJ duo Ess & Emm (Sasha Lauzon and Michelle Leshem). But the highlight of the evening was the seductive birthday surprise, in which a dancer, clad in black feathers, serenaded Nick with Marilyn Monroe’s infamous, “Happy Birthday Mr. President.” Read the rest of this entry »