By: Maryanne Salvat

msalvat@miamisocialholic.com

Summer Trunk Show at Bella Beach Club

Local fashion brand RaMona LaRue is hosting a Summer Trunk Show on Saturday, June 30 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Bella Beach Club. Be the first to shop from the brand’s new fall collection before it even hits stores! The trunk show will also feature exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces not available in-stores and up to 60% OFF the summer collection. Blo – Blow Dry Bar will be on-site with a team of “bloers” offering signatures styles at the braid bar. Swimwear and accessories from ISA Boutique will also be for sale.

All-You-Can-Eat Maine Lobster at Kitchen 305

Kitchen 305 at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort invites those with hearty appetites and a love for seafood to enjoy an all-you-can-eat Maine lobster dinner every Wednesday for $35. For a little more than the market price of a tail, guests can indulge in endless plates of this soft shell, red crustacean flown in fresh weekly from Maine.  Alongside the “Maine” act, Kitchen 305 is serving a bowl of soup du jour and a Wedge Salad with crumbled blue cheese and Applewood smoked bacon.  The dinner special includes fresh baked bread, oven roasted potatoes and grilled corn on the cob. Kitchen 305 supper club guests will enjoy live music and entertainment with dinner and ladies drink free premium cocktails from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. For dinner and bottle service reservations call 305.749.2110.

Aveda Seven Seas Spa & Salon Teacher Appreciation

The Aveda Seven Seas Spa & Salon is recognizing teachers for their generous contributions to the community by offering summer spa specials priced at $20.12. To celebrate the end of the 2012 school year and official start of Summer, administrators, teachers and school support staff can choose from an array of spa services ranging from a 30-minute elemental massage, pedicure and mani polish change or 30-minute exfoliating body scrub priced at $20.12 each. For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit http://www.sevenseasspasalon.com for more information.

 Mayfair Hotel & Spa’s 4th of July Rooftop Celebration 

Spend Fourth of July poolside this year at Mayfair Hotel & Spa’s Rooftop Independence Day BBQ. Savor homemade hamburgers and cheeseburgers, Kosher hot dogs, marinated chicken breast, pulled pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, honey baked beans and a variety of fresh salads, including a “make-your-own” Cobb salad station. Sip on refreshing cocktails such as the signature Watermelon Martini or Grove Sangria Mojito. All-you-can-eat BBQ: $18.95 for adults and $12.50 per child (10 and under), exclusive of tax and gratuity. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and run until 9:00 p.m.; for more information contact the Mayfair Hotel & Spa, www.mayfairhotelandspa.com. *Non-hotel guests must pay the buffet price as admittance to the rooftop. 

 Biltmore Hotel Annual Fireworks Spectacular

The historic Biltmore Hotel is proud to announce that it is partnering with the city of Coral Gables for its annual Fireworks Spectacular on the Biltmore Golf Course. The explosive show, an Independence Day favorite, will feature a special performance by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band as well as concessions, food trucks and entertaining mascots. Along with the famous fireworks display, guests are invited to stay the night with affordable room rates beginning at $189. The general public is also invited to enjoy the show ($115 for adults and $40 for children). A portion of the evening’s net proceeds will be shared with Dade Heritage Trust, the hotel’s partner in historic preservation. Special packages and rates are also available, for more details or to reserve call 305.913.3246 x 2387 or email 4thofjuly@biltmorehotel.com.

Zoo Miami Offers $5 Special Days

For the third year in a row, Zoo Miami is offering a sweet summer deal of $5 admission, backed up by Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company president is pleased to provide support so that the Zoo is accessible to more people during this holiday week. Representatives from Ford will be setting up shop in the zoo on July 4, 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will receive giveaways when they register to win a new Ford Focus and will be able to view some of their latest car models. Guests visiting Zoo Miami on these discounted days can enjoy a few other goodies in addition to visiting the lions, tigers and bears along with the normal attractions offered by the zoo. On July 7, Blue Bell will be helping guests cool down by distributing free samples of ice cream to lucky zoo visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of Scoops for Conservation, a partnership between the Zoological Society of Florida and Blue Bell Ice Cream that encourages donations for wildlife conservation. Pepsi Next will also be distributing free samples to help keep visitors refreshed on July 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To help plan the perfect visit, Zoo Miami has launched a handy mobile application for iPhone and Android owners that equips users with a map, calendar, animal information and more. The application can be found by searching for Zoo Miami in the App Store or Android Marketplace. Free Wi-Fi is also offered in four large, convenient locations throughout the zoo. For the whole Zoo Miami experience, guests should plan to explore the new Playworld Playground for some wet and wild fun for the kids. If visiting on a weekend, the Hippo Slide, the world’s largest inflatable water slide, is open to the public for a seriously slippery experience. The special and limited $5 admission days are available only from July 4-8 and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Go to www.zoomiami.org for more information.

Maria Jose Almeida, Maryanne Salvat, Marnie Howard, and Mary Jo Shore

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Every now and then, all of the elements come together to create the perfect evening.  Such was the case last week when man-about-town Michael Leondas Kirkland and his handsome house-mate Rothsay “Roy” Playa welcomed guests into their home for an all-night birthday fete for yours truly.  We were overcome by Kirkland’s southern hospitality:  from the polished, Tiffany sterling to the perfectly pressed linen napkins (a rarity this far south) to the tantalizing aroma wafting from the giant black iron pot, once belonging to his great-grandmother. 

The mood was comfortable and jovial throughout the night, the din of laughter permeating the beautiful home which is filled with beautiful French antiques and mid-century Scandinavian pieces juxtaposed with paintings by Francisco Clemente Vikki Oglesby; photographs by Karl Lagerfeld, Herb Ritts and Miami’s own Iran Issa-Khan, to name a few. Read the rest here »

Vivica A. Fox and Francoise Elizee

Vivica Fox and Garcelle Beauvais sported Francoise Elizee handbags at the Catwalk for Charity event at The Mandarin Oriental hosted by Kimora Lee Simmons to benefit the children of Haiti.

Recently engaged and very skinny, Miley Cyrus was spotted in and around the Delano pool with longtime friend/assistant Cheyne Thomas.

Michelle Hunziker was spotted sunbathing in South Beach.

Italian Jewelry Designer Franco Pianegonda

Bold looks and beautiful design, define Franco Pianegonda’s Veritas 2012 Collection: which translates the designer’s passion for uniquely crafted pieces made for the confident and independent woman (and man, of course). Franco Pianegonda’s jewelry encourages women to “vivid su espiritu salvaje” or to live life freely encompassing life with all it has offer.

His designs speak to a woman’s personality and independent thinking. During our interview with Mr. Pianegonda he mentioned that “an engagement ring tells of your value- my pieces show your personality.” He also described the mentality of men-who buy jewelry for its value- versus the jewelry women buy for themselves, which in turn reflects their personalities. 

 Hailing from Vicenza, Italy, Pianegonda’s artistic influence is personified in his creations; combining the antique traditions of Italian goldsmiths with current fashionable styles, each personalized piece is sure to make a statement.

The charming Pianegonda went on to say that evoking happiness and emotions through his jewelry is what inspires him to create his masterpieces. The Veritas 2012 Collection incorporates sterling silver and gorgeous stones including: citrine, topaz, and quartz creating a line where beauty and high quality are both combined at an affordable value.  Franco Pianegonda’s creations can be found at his boutique in Aventura Mall or at www.francopianegonda.net.

Essie Summer 2012 Collection

The hottest new summer collection from Essie is sure to brighten up your mood as well as your outfit. With titles including: Off the Shoulder, Mojito Madness, All Tied Up, Bikini So Teeny, Fear or Desire, and Cascade Cool they are sure to bring some heat to the season and add a splash of color to your tips and toes. Essie is currently available at GBS The Beauty Store or www.GBSbeauty.com.

Miami’s Health-Conscious Influencers

On Tuesday, June 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Miami Beach Plastic Surgery Center and MedSpa is joining forces with Sean Donaldson Hair, Sobe Tan by Fabiola and Ted Ryce Fitness to produce the first installment of a unique ongoing South Beach networking event for Miami’s’ health-conscious influencers. Dr. Leonard Tachmes, among other industry leaders, will be on-hand to meet and mingle with guests, complimentary healthy, light bites by DeliverLean and Three Olives cocktails will be provided. The evening will also include raffle items and gift bags full of beauty essentials. To RSVP, contact beautyblockparty@taraink.com.

Mercadito Midtown Presents Don Julio June Tequila Dinner

In presenting Miami’s hottest monthly series, Mercadito Midtown is pleased to present Don Julio for its June tequila dinner along with a culinary theme perfect for the summer months: Grilling and Barbeque! On Wednesday, June 27 beginning at 8:30 p.m., Chef/Partner Patricio Sandoval together with Executive Chef Aldo Ayala will present four gourmet sharing courses featuring seasonal ingredients – all grilled utilizing Don Julio tequila. The evening’s special cocktails will also showcase the spirit and will be paired with each course. The cost to attend is $45 per person exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended, call 786. 369.0430.

Modern Luxury Brides South Florida & The Caribbean Official Launch Party

Modern Luxury, the largest publisher of luxury city magazines in the United States, proudly announces and celebrates the release of the first ever Modern Luxury Brides South Florida & The Caribbean with a launch party on Thursday, June 28 at Turnberry Isle from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The title joins MIAMI magazine as the company’s second local publication dedicated to the affluent market. Featuring everything bridal from: couture gowns to luxurious wedding hot spots, coverage of the region’s most extravagant weddings, and a photo gallery of South Florida’s favorite betrothed couple, Modern Luxury Brides South Florida & The Caribbean will be the quintessential wedding resource for the stylish, affluent bride. Guests will arrive to a welcoming train of male models expertly outfitted in trim tuxedoes by Black Tie Miami and will dance the night away to a variety of musical acts across three stages, including an acoustic set by Academy-Award performing singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin, as well as a jazz ensemble featuring sultry vocalist Jessi Campo and beats by DJ Maximus 3000, both from Javi Productions.

COSMO’S Fab @ 40 Smirnoff Beach Bash 

On Saturday, June 30, celebrate 40 years at Nikki Beach with Sexy Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, Entertainment & Friends. Cosmopolitan en español, the leading Spanish-language fashion and beauty magazine for the fun, fearless Hispanic female, is celebrating its 40^th anniversary with a Fab @ 40 Smirnoff Beach Bash along with presenting sponsor Smirnoff Ice. The first 250 guests will receive an exclusive VIP gift bag at this summer’s hottest “after beach” party. Smirnoff Ice will provide a welcome drink and $9 cocktail specials. The event will also feature models wearing L*Space swimwear, entertainment, a Polaroid photo booth and passed hors d’oeuvres from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The festivities run from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.; to RSVP contact RSVP@televisapublishing.com.

8th Annual Irie Foundation Weekend 2012

Miami’s own DJ IRIE will be his hosting his 8th Annual three-day action – packed charity weekend June 28 through June 30. The 2012 IRIE Weekend will commence Thursday night with an exclusive Chambord Vodka kick-off event at a private residence on Star Island. On Friday, the celebrity golf tournament will take place at the Melreese Country Club, followed by a welcome concert at Mansion nightclub. Saturday evening IRIE Weekend & Verizon will take over Lucky Strike bowling alley with the South Florida After – School All – Stars then close the night at Arkadia Lounge. Proceeds raised throughout the weekend will benefit the IRIE Foundation; for more information visit http://www.iriefoundation.org.

DOC RIVERS

After beating the Boston Celtics in game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night, Lebron James stopped by our favorite private members club with an entourage to celebrate and wish yours truly a very happy birthday.  Here’s how it went down:

MJS:   “Thank you for winning tonight on my birthday.”

LJ:       “I did it for you, Happy Birthday!”

MJS:   “It’s about time.” (I don’t think he heard this last part, as he high fived and kissed my hand.  But seriously- SEVEN GAMES???!!!)

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning were also seen at the club that night.

Chris Bosh and his wife Adrienne celebrated the big win in style at Villa Azur Restaurant & Lounge. They shared signature dishes and toasted the Heat’s spot in the NBA Finals with Moêt & Chandon Rosé.

Over the bridge, Doc Rivers, Head Coach of the Boston Celtics was seen eating his sorrows away at Puerto Madero in Brickell. 

Chino y Nacho, Grammy and Latin Grammy winning celeb duo performed at the Johnnie Walker Black Label party “Conquista La Noche” at Grand Central on Friday night.   The VIP concert drew a full house of overjoyed fans, who cheered on as the celebs sang hits including “Tu Angelito” and “Niña Bonita” for over an hour.

Miami Beach developer Scott Robins launched his new venue, Studio 743, last Thursday night in the former Chaos nightclub space.  Robins hosted a sneak preview to a crowd of industry VIP’s, TV, film and event producers with a lavish party to show off his new 6,000 square foot event space on Washington Avenue. Cuisine Works handled all the nibbles for the night while Funkshioin’s Sale Stojanovic was responsible for the décor. The space is available for rent for photo shoots, special events and film shoots. Earlier this week, actress JoMarie Payton (who played Harriet Winslon on the TV show Family Matters) was seen scouting the space as a possible location to shoot her new upcoming television program.

Naomi Watts having dinner at Nikki Beach Cannes

Longtime Miami Beach residents and Nikki Beach owners Jack and Lucia Penrod along with their partner Eric Omoré celebrated 10 Years of having a pop-up location in Cannes, France during the this year’s 65th Annual Cannes International Film Festival which took place May 16 – 27. During the celebrity studied festival, the stars flocked to Nikki Beach’s two fabulous locations nestled right in the heart of all the action on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, Nikki Beach La Plage at the Grand Hôtel, and Nikki Beach La Terrasse, a private space situated on the rooftop of the JW Marriott Cannes. Featuring the classic white décor prevalent at all Nikki Beach locations globally, Nikki Beach Cannes provided delicious cuisine, stellar European service and endless enjoyment during the sun-drenched days and sultry nights. Throughout the 2012 festival, notable guests including Eva Longoria, Naomi Watts, Paris Hilton, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Shemar Moore and LMFAO’s Redfoo spent time at Nikki Beach sipping on Piper Heidsieck champagne and dining on sushi and Petrossian caviar. The celebrities also checked out the Quintessentially Luxury Gifting Suite as well as the Hublot Watches and Bochic Jewellery on display.