By: Maryanne Salvat

The term “Morning After” could be the result of more than one scenario: a long night of party bliss or one that you may not (would rather not) remember. Thankfully, lifestyle designer Rebecca Minkoff has redefined the “Morning After” and has bestowed positive attributes along with fanciful colors as fashion lovers carry her signature “MAB” (Morning After Bag) all about town.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure to sit down with the delightful designer during her personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue Raleigh promoting her Ready-to-Wear Spring 2013 line.

As we chatted about the line, I asked her about the inspiration for her fresh and delicate looks for spring. Minkoff discussed that she had casually picked up a book by famed photographer Slim Aarons, best known for his celebrity and socialite photos from the 1960’s. The beach portraits caught her attention. She went on to say that the beauty and simplicity of the time period motivated her to create the embroidery details and in-house digital prints with mixes of florals and bright colors along with flared–pants, mid-thigh dresses, and peplum tops that flatter all body types.

We also spoke about her fabulous handbags and shoes. This season’s Italian laser-cut leather, fringes, zippers, studs, and tassels, in all colors graced the runway- mint being the most popular of the season. Minkoff mentioned that studs are a “must” on all of her handbags and more importantly that they are all affordably priced.

On a more casual note, we discussed the topic of motherhood and how her life and style aesthetic had changed since having a toddler around the house. She mentioned that she now wears flats on the way to the office and changes into her heels when she arrives and that she’s more casual on the weekends, but for the most part that her style remains the same.  When asked about designers that she most admires, Minkoff expressed that she had recently finished reading the biography about Coco Chanel and respects her forward thinking and strong work ethic. I also asked her if she would consider a swimsuit line, considering that summer is right around the corner. Minkoff said, “Maybe in the future.”

Minkoff exclusively designed a collection line of handbags for Saks Fifth Avenue. During her personal appearance several pieces from the collection quickly sold out, making it quite clear that lifestyle brand Rebecca Minkoff has a very strong following and quite the future ahead of her. [smooth=id:456;] photo courtesy of getty images

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

Art Basel, the Mecca for art collectors and enthusiasts will take over Miami from December 6 through 9, 2012.  In its 11^th season, the most prestigious art show in the Americas will feature more than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, among the most respected in the world that will showcase works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.  Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art and musical experiences. Art Basel will provide a vital platform for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-caliber artworks.  In addition to the actual show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, art museums throughout South Florida, satellite art fairs, and events for and by curators provide the perfect forum for encountering and experiencing art and design. Every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel – and the requisite parties keep the locals and the visitors in an art-induced state of bliss.  Without a doubt, sunny Miami is the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.  Below, we have highlighted just a few of the major events that are scheduled this year, and are sure to make Art Basel 2012 the best to date.  Be sure to visit Passport Miami for the latest updates. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Fashionably Conscious Fundraising Sale

Hundreds of shoppers, including:  VIPs, socialites, and philanthropists raided the donated designer goods of Miami’s most elite crowd last week at the annual Fashionably Conscious fundraiser, raising almost $85,000 for Coconut Grove Cares, The Barnyard, a locally beloved and cherished community center which provides after school and community care services to families of the West Grove Community.  From Valentino and Giorgio Armani suits to Chanel dresses and Prada and Jimmy Choo shoes, Fashionably Conscious brought the best of the best to the generously donated space provided by Village of Merrick Park. The weekend began with a VIP sale where more than a hundred devoted shoppers lined up outside the space waiting for doors to open. By Sunday the fully stocked space was nearly cleared and little to nothing remained to be purchased. The fashionably conscious crowd sipped on champagne, shopped for a cause and mingled with Miami’s biggest trendsetters. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

20^th Annual International Mango Festival

Twenty years ago, a seed from one of Dr. David Fairchild’s century-old mango trees was planted in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s fertile soil. Fast forward to the present and Fairchild is now a haven for tropical fruit research and home to hundreds of mango cultivars. This year, Fairchild celebrates the growth and development mangos have gone through to thrive in South Florida and around the world with the 20^th Annual International Mango Festival this Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the International Mango Festival is free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. For non-members, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Those who walk or bike receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off child admission. Those with a Military ID have free admission, with $20 for their spouses and $10 for their children.

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Present It’s All Overtown

NBA Champion, Alonzo Mourning, and wife Tracy Wilson Mourning, will host It’s All Overtown, “One Night…One World,” a premier annual fundraiser benefiting the Overtown Youth Center (OYC), on Thursday, July 19, starting at 6:00 p.m., at the Rusty Pelican. Guests, alongside Mistress of Ceremonies, Belkys Nerey, WSVN-TV News Anchor, will be transported around the world with entertainment, food, and specialty cocktails, all embracing the evening’s theme of multicultural inclusion. The recently redesigned Rusty Pelican will present the event and serve as the ideal backdrop in which to raise much-needed funds to support the Center, founded by Mourning in 2003. In addition to the many ways supporters can contribute to the long-term fiscal success of OYC, It’s All Overtown event-goers will have a winning chance at silent auction items that include unique experiences compliments of local eateries, hotels and spas, a variety of popular brand name fashion accessories, autographed sports memorabilia from popular athletes both current and legends, including the 2012 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat. Tickets to It’s All Overtown “One Night…One World start at $125 and are currently available. For more information, visit http://www.overtownyouth.orgor call (305) 349-1204.  

Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary

On Thursday, July 19th from 9 pm to midnight, stay stylish by giving back! Celebrate Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary at Style Saves’ 2nd Annual Summer Fashion Show Fundraiser! To kick off 2012 Miami Swim Week, Style Saves will host an exclusive event at SOHO Beach House featuring four designer fashion shows, sponsored open bar and live DJ. The runway show will showcase looks from Trina Turk, Atrium, Papi swimwear for men & iShine365 swimwear for women. Following the fashion show, the party will continue. Guests will enjoy cocktails and treats from Stella’s Sweet Shoppe while viewing the online auction hosted by charitybuzz featured on iPads throughout the space and capturing memories in the CapturePod photo booth sponsored by Atrium. Tickets cost $100 in advance, $125 at the door. To purchase tickets visit http://stylesaves.charityhappenings.org. 

SALON ALLURE Benefits Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation 

On July 21 and July 22, SALON ALLURE, a four-day boutique tradeshow featuring more than 70 of the world’s most exclusive brands in swim, resort, and now accessories, marks its third anniversary at Swim Week by inviting the public to its first-ever DESIGNER SAMPLE SALE fundraiser, net proceeds for the event will benefit Salon Allure’s charity of choice: Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF). Chaired by Norma Jean Abraham, celebrity co-chairs Tracy Wilson Mourning and Lisa Pliner, and style blogger Ginger Harris of Electric Blogarella at the Perry South Beach, attendees will have access to the same luxury swim and resort wear worn by Hollywood A-listers, from Fergie to Rihanna, all at discounts of up to 50 percent off. Guests will also enjoy complimentary cocktails, DJ performances, and the chance to support Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation with each purchase. To learn more and offer support, visit www.mchf.org.

Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, LeBron James photo courtesy Manny Hernandez

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

When our beloved Miami Heat finally won the NBA Championship, a victory more than two years in the making, Miami as a whole experienced the cathartic joy- as we are now all, on some level, champions. Nowhere was this more evident than at LIV at the Fontainebleau, just a few hours before dawn, on Friday morning, and on the streets during the championship parade and at the American Airlines Arena (AAA) for the championship celebration on Monday.

“We are the Champions” blared through the speakers at LIV nightclub at just before 3 a.m. on Friday morning, as the newly crowned, World Champions, Miami HEAT, fresh from winning the NBA championship entered the massive nightclub for their official victory party, to the ecstatic chants of thrilled fans, who shouted, “Let’s go Heat!”  The chanting changed to “MVP” shortly thereafter, as LeBron James made his way to the stage at the back of the club, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the “vampire image” of his face.   The music stopped for a bit as Heat owner Micky Arison and coach Eric Spoelstra were cheered on as they took to the stage to address the fans and thank them for their support. Read the rest of this entry »

 We had the distinct pleasure of joining the exquisite, Maggie Henriquez, President and CEO of Krug Champagne a couple of weeks ago at an exclusive luncheon at Conrad Miami, where Henriquez entertained a small group of journalists who tasted Krug’s newly released Vintage 2000, Vintage 1998, and Krug’s signature Grand Cuvee and legendary Rose. Henriquez took the lively group (which became livelier after every sip) through a journey which included the Maison’s long history and Krug’s unique approach. A born storyteller, the brilliant Henriquez captivated us with exciting anecdotes about each of the vintages, which she described with the reverence and knowledge of a mother describing each of her children. Krug’s newest innovation includes the recently launched bottle ID codes which enhance the tasting experience by highlighting the unique characteristics, history, and tasting notes for each bottle of Krug disgorged after 2011.

The afternoon was an enlightening and delicious journey of Krug’s generous spirit and philosophy of uncompromised excellence.[smooth=id:398;]