photo courtesy of Miami.com

Fashion’s Night Out 2012 

Designers, stylists, fashion editors, and bloggers gear up and wish they had multiple clones, for Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., as they take to the stores for the fourth installment of the iconic event. Below are a few events, but for a complete listing of scheduled events visit: www.Fashionsnightout.com.  

Village of Merrick Park celebrates 10 years of fashion and unveils their September fashion series with the kick off of FNO. In preparation of Ocean Drive Magazine’s hosted fashion show, famed Sex and the City celebrity stylist Danny Santiago will arrive on September 4 to pull fall’s HOTTEST new trends hitting the runways. Notable FNO events include Neiman Marcus’ fall trend fashion show hosted by Shireen Sandoval of DECO DRIVE, Elemis Spa offering beauty complimentary services, and FNO Red Carpet After Party at SAWA Restaurant & Lounge along with multiple store specials. Extending the renowned Fashion’s Night Out, Village of Merrick Park will debut the first-ever “Fashion’s Weekend Out,” a weekend of collection parties and shopping incentives from September 7 through the 8 with charity partner, Fashionably Conscious. 

Fashion’s Night Out hits Fort Lauderdale with an official event at Lilac And Lilies Boutique that promises not just designer deals, celebrity appearances, informal modeling, official FNO merchandise and other entertainment but a “Fashion Face-Off” celebrating the launch of a new interactive fashion blog called Ali VS. Ali Claire. In this unique blog concept that mixes fierce fashion competition with a quirky sense of humor, Ali Claire Marino (daughter of former Miami Dolphin Dan Marino) competes against Ali Kostoff in online style wars that puts the power in the hands of the people and the public votes to determine which stylist tackles the trends best. During the event, guests can experience the blog live and vote on their favorite outfits being modeled from Lilac And Lilies Boutique’s designer arrivals of fall and holiday collections as styled by Ali and Ali Claire.Guests can mix, mingle and have their pictures snapped with local celebrities as they enjoy 15% off in-store, non-sale merchandise, contests, prizes, passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a Lilac And Lilies Boutique swag bag upon departure. The official DJ of the Miami Dolphins, Mike Marino (aka DJ1Tre), will preside over the turntables as guests shop-‘til-they-drop during this once-a-year, social soiree.To RSVP, call 954.530.309 or email Kelli@LilacAndLilies.com. 

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour and Vault Magazine host a night of fabulous fashion. Guests will be treated to cocktails and bites by Barton G. and a fashion showing of the latest trends for the season styled by fashion guru Danny Santiago.  The show will be MCd by Huffington Post blogger and “Queen of the Night” Tara Solomon, with a personal appearance by luxury handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez.

Chloé Boutique Bal Harbour is hosting an exclusive in-store shopping event during this year’s Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. to celebrate the launch of the brand’s new iconic handbag, Alice. Inspired by the 1970s, the two-tone handbag comes in soft, supple fine materials including python and rawhide. Practical and elegant, the Alice is available in pastel tones (sunrise, husky white) or warmer, more autumnal colors (hot chocolate, fir green, and black) – ideal for the upcoming season. Sizes come in medium or large. Now available at the Chloé Bal Harbour Boutique. Official FNO t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event. Champagne will be served and music by DJ Johnny The Boy.  

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland will also be hosting a Fashion’s Night Out event, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy complimentary make-overs, light bites, and delicious cupcakes as you shop for a great cause. 10% of all the event sales will benefit Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade and  Dress for Success Miami.

Bon Apetite: Celebrating the Life of Julia Child! 

Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami is marking the 100^th anniversary of Julia Child’s birth by presenting a series of exciting events on Saturday, September 15, commemorating the “Lady of the Ladle’s” commitment to gastronomy, education and philanthropy including appearances from celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, celebrated author Nancy Verde Barr, and chef extraordinaire Norman Van Aken.  Net proceeds will benefit the Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami Legacy Awards, which gives professional experiences to young women studying Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Gastronomic Journalism and Food Agriculture. To purchase tickets, contact Claire Tomlin at 305.775.2165 or online at www.lesdamesmiami.org.

Gilt-y Pleasures

Gilt City Miami is hosting their legendary warehouse sale on Saturday, September 15, at the Miami Iron Side. To absolve yourself of the Gilt within, purchase your tickets quickly by visiting: www.giltcity.com/miami/warehousesalemia.

Both LeBron James and the Estefans were spotted at Zuma Miami last week on different nights. King James celebrated his beloved fiancée, Savannah Brinson’s birthday at Zuma on August 26th. They were with close friends and family in the Private Dining Room where they all enjoyed Zuma’s king crabs, rock shrimp and black cod to name a few signature dishes. The vibe of guests were happy, relaxed and even James himself was enjoying his last month off before he goes back to the court for basketball training. At the end of the meal, a beautiful peacock cake was brought out for Savannah, all lit up with sparkles.

Last Wednesday, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, enjoyed dinner with longtime friend Gary Nader at Zuma Miami. With the CW’s newly aired singing competition series, The Next, in which Gloria is one of the mentors, the Estefans had a lot to share over dinner and enjoyed the time catching up their dear friend. They enjoyed a variety of Zuma favorites.

Gabrielle Union was spotted at The Cheese Course last week with an associate.

Kim Kardashian was spotted holding hands with Kanye West while heading to photo studio for a racy photo shoot, about which she later Tweeted.

Christina Getty-Maercks' Rock of Ages Celebration

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Christina Getty-Maercks celebrated her birthday in grand style a couple of weeks ago with a Rock of Ages themed bash that has officially become known as the party of the summer.  The social elite, dressed to the nines (we’re talking 1989) in their finest ripped rocker clothes: vintage t-shirts, leather, miniskirts, tulle, neon and wigs for the birthday bash at the Maercks’ sprawling Sunset Island home.  The award-winning, Ms. Cheezious food truck was parked in the Maercks’ front lawn, serving grilled cheese with bacon and pulled pork sandwiches to soak up the copious amounts of alcohol that fueled the party.  The garage had been transformed into a photo booth complete with a green screen that became a backdrop from the Rock of Ages movie once the photos were printed- perfectly complimenting the guests’ outlandish outfits.  Inside the house, a tattoo artist decorated exposed skin with temporary tattoos and inflatable dolls floated in the pool outside.  Read the rest here »

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Crumb at The Webster 

Michelle Bernstein’s Crumb at The Webster, need we say more!  Combining two of Bernstein’s passions, food and fashion, the dynamic duo will launch on Wednesday, August 29. “I’ve been a fan of The Webster since it opened and love the space,” says Bernstein.  “The care and thought that Laure and Milan (The Webster’s owners) put into everything they do is evident and mirror how David (Martinez, her husband and business partner) and I approach cooking and hospitality.  Working together was a very easy decision to make.”  Crumb at The Webster will feature the fresh soups, salads, hot plates and to-die-for baked goods that Crumb in the Design District is known for, with future surprises in the works.  Initially, Crumb will serve lunch 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with fresh-brewed coffee, pastries and cocktail ‘til 8:00 p.m.  Housed in The Webster’s first floor lounge space, Crumb will seat approximately 30 guests, with an additional 12 on the outside patio, a chic spot for people watching on world-famous Collins Avenue.  The space is also available for private event buy-outs. 

Style Saves Presents Back to School In Style 

On Sunday, September 2, Style Saves will host its annual go “Back-to-School In Style” event at The Wynwood Cigar Factory from noon to 3:00 p.m. Utilizing the funds raised from the Style Saves Summer Fashion Show Fundraiser that took place at Soho Beach House in conjunction with Miami Swim Week, Style Saves’ founder and FORD fashion stylist Rachael Russell will lead the styling for over 150 students. Selected students from Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami Art Museum’s Girl Power and Tracey Mourning’s Honey Shine Mentoring Program will secure new outfits for back-to-school. The students will enjoy a day of makeovers and fun activities that include a bounce house and mini yoga sessions plus interactive games and arts & crafts. The day will also include perks like mini manicures, haircuts by Privé Salon, face painting by Make-Up by Aileen Quintana, cupcakes by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers prepared by the chefs of Soho Beach House’s Cecconi’s. Rachael, along with Jilian Sanz, Fashion Director of Haute Living magazine and Amanda Del Duca of Capture Fashion will coordinate the styling for these deserving kids. Eyewear line, Tortoise & Blonde will be on-hand to check the students’ prescriptions and outfit them with frames to provide them with new eye glasses for back-to-school. Style Saves’ mission is to “build confidence through clothes and give a fresh start through fashion.” To accomplish that mission Style Saves raises funds to allocate to underprivileged students in the South Florida area. In collaboration with The Miami Foundation, Style Saves works with local retail stores, designers and boutiques to provide these students with brand-new outfits for back-to-school. The premise is to inspire self-confidence and give students the assurance they need to succeed, both academically and personally. For more information about the event or to become involved, contact Rachael Russell, rachael@stylerr.com. 

LeSUTRA Sparkling Liqueur by Timbaland

Grammy Award Winning Super Producer Timbaland will launch his new brand LeSUTRA Sparkling Liqueur at Fontainebleau Miami Beach over Labor Day weekend and kickoff the BleauLive weekend long series of parties and iconic concert performances. This exclusive red-carpeted, celebrity-studded weekend will include a private performance by Timbaland, Nas and Missy Elliott, as well as surprise celebrity guests and performances, tantalizing tastings of the sparkling liqueur’s four exhilarating flavors (strawberry, grape, peach and blueberry) and poolside parties with delicious LeSUTRA cocktails, developed by the resort’s mixologists. 

The District Factory on Fashion’s Night Out 

Fashion rocks the block outside The District Factory on Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Factory fans are invited to celebrate one of the most fashion-forward nights in the world, alongside local emerging designers manufacturing today’s hottest trends. Shop 30 brands of accessories, apparel, vintage, and rock the block party with a special live music performance by dance- duo Afrobeta and sounds by DJ Mike Sike. The mash-up combines Bar Lab Spirited Mixology with cocktails infused by Société Perrier, Mandarine Napoleon, Gran Sierpe, and Zignum, a beer garden, food, giveaways, video art installation by Juan Henriquez and Carlos Pedreanez, the best in auto design by Prestige Imports North Miami, interactive beauty stations provided by Fashion Koncept and Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown and more. The Factory, in collaboration with partners Miami Design District, The Beacon Council, and MIAMI Magazine, is open to the public and offers complimentary admission. Learn more at the DISTRICTFACTORY.com. 

 Yoga Does The Body Good 

September is National Yoga Month and the Ayama Yoga and Healing Arts Center is celebrating by offering free classes to the masses in their new studio in North Miami. Throughout the month of September, new “Yogi” students can drop in for a week of unlimited yoga classes, completely “gratis”. Not a new student? Current students of Ayama can also join in the celebration by purchasing classes at a major discount of 10 classes for $99 or five classes for $49.  Limit one package per person. Ayama offers 43 classes a week in various styles of yoga including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, Ivengar, Kundalini, Anusara, kid’s and prenatal yoga  classes.  Students of all levels are encouraged to participate and experience the many benefits of yoga including improved health, posture, complexion, strength, balance and flexibility.  Yoga can also help boost the immune system, relieve depression, reduce stress and help with weight loss.  For a schedule of classes, visit http://www.ayamayoga.com/schedule.htm. 

By: Maryanne Salvat

Appleton Estates Bartender Challenge

The third annual Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge will take place on Monday, August 27 at Blackbird Ordinary from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Miami’s best bartenders will prepare their original Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum cocktails and compete to win a countrywide competition for a spot in the Finals round. Join in for a night of music, food, and of course, cocktails.

4G for Charity: the Power is in Your Hands 

On Thursday, August 30, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., MIAMI magazine and Verizon will officially announce the winner of the “4G for Charity: The Power is in Your Hands” campaign at Miami hot-spot, FDR at Delano. Earlier this summer, MIAMI magazine selected four local celebrities to compete in the Verizon “4G For Charity” campaign, which had four local celebrities equipped with Verizon 4G LTE tablets battling it out for the chance to win $4,000 for the charity of their choice. The fab four competitors included DJ Irie, Stacey Glassman Mizener, Kenneth Gilbert, and K.C. Jones. The invite-only finale event will celebrate the six-week long campaign and entertain over 300 of Miami’s top tastemakers and celebrity supporters. With social media as the driving force behind “4G For Charity”, guests will be urged to turn to their own social media pages throughout the night to create excitement around #4G4Charity with the chance to also win exclusive prizes and giveaways. In addition, guests will be treated to bites by Bianca, signature Motorola and Samsung branded cocktails courtesy of Belvedere and, of course, sounds by one of Miami hottest dj’s, DJ Vertigo. Delano’s Italian eatery, Bianca, is proud to present its three-course $39 Miami Spice menu for event guests to enjoy either before or after the event. Guests can make a reservation by calling 305.674.5752.  

NCLA Nails Arrives at Ricky’s Miami 

NCLA nails (an LA born and bred nail brand that brings fashion and on-trend colors to your fingertips…literally) is making a grand entrance in Miami and will now be sold at Ricky’s on Lincoln Road. NCLA has been on the fingertips of some Hollywood hot ladies including Kelly Clarkson, Shay Mitchell, and Miley Cyrus.

 Children’s Place: Back to School

With school back in session, the ever popular children’s boutique, The Children’s Place is offering incredible Back- to- School specials for “socialites in training”.  The new fall line includes navy crested blazers and flared plaid skirts for the trendiest brood, and rugbys paired with denim fit for the rough play. For all specials and locations visit www.ChildrensPlace.com .

Alison Antrobus and Iran Issa-Khan

On Saturday night, Will Smith dined with a close friend and his bodyguard at Zuma. Smith exuded the same warm and friendly demeanor for which he’s known onscreen,  according to our source and casually enjoyed Zuma favorites such as spicy yellowtail roll, spicy tuna, beef tataki, softshell crab, Zuma salad, salmon and tuna tartare to name a few. Following dinner, Smith and company had a gorgeous Zuma dessert platter. As Smith was leaving he said that Zuma is now his best restaurant.

Ocean Drive magazine September 2012 cover star Nina Dobrev co-hosted an exclusive dinner at Scarpetta and afterparty at Arkadia to celebrate the Fall Fashion issue on Saturday night. The Vampire Diaries and The Perks of Being a Wall Flower starlet took a break from filming to enjoy a night out in Miami Beach.

Last week, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and outfielder Laynce Nix enjoyed dinner at the Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar arriving at 11 p.m. following their win over the Miami Marlins. A total of 7 guests in the group dined at the beautiful glass table just outside the bar in the main dining room. The party ordered freshly shucked oysters and salads, followed by a selection of The Forge’s most famous entrees like the Grilled Salmon, Roasted Chicken and The Super Steak. The group finished the night with Chocolate Souffles around the table. They were seen departing the restaurant just before 1 a.m. 

Juan Uribe of the LA Dodgers also visited The Forge Restaurant with two friends during the Veuve Clicquot Happy Hour on Friday, enjoying music by DJ Joe Dert who was manning the booth. The trio stayed for dinner noting the great ambiance and delicious food.

BET’s TV personality, Terrance J, was recently spotted dining at STK around 11 p.m. with a party of twenty-five, who sipped on Patron shots, Hennessy, chilled Ciroc and enjoyed family-style appetizers and Porterhouse Steaks. Terrance had a young lady join him while he was just about half-way through his dinner.

iStar Residential’s George Helmstetter and Ornare’s Claudio Faria, along with Cervera Real Estate’s Alicia Cervera Lamadrid and Sildy Cervera, recently toasted award-winning designer Alison Antrobus at the unveiling of Ocean House’s new Antrobus-designed spectacular beachfront model residence.  At the private cocktail party, a fleet of butlers directed more than 200 of South Florida’s finest through the grand salon to the fourth-floor residence. Stepping out of the elevator, guests were welcomed with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they enjoyed the ambient grooves of DJ Dutch. Antrobus was joined by notable guests, including renowned photographer Iran Issa-Khan, architect Jose S. Pelayo, Steve and Martina Reisman of Neoteric Luxury, NIBA Home’s Nisi Berryman, designers Andrew Frank and Juan Poggi, Antrobus Design Co., partner Ruby Ramirez and graphic designer Pedro Rodriguez, who created the striking floral chalk mural in the residence’s gourmet kitchen.