02/23/10

Fashion Rules!

Attention fashion fans, put in your RSVP now for this fabulous event on March 4 at Neiman Marcus. See you there!

THE FASHION RULES! Party

When: March 4, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Neiman Marcus at The Mall at Millenia

What: David Meister will host an informal fashion presentation at Dress Collections at 7 p.m. Robert Graham presents a fashion presentation in Men's Sportswear at 8 p.m. Also scheduled during the evening: Bvlgari trunk show at the Precious Jewels Salon, a "Beauty Extravaganza" at Cosmetics including a Bronzing Bar, Eyelash and Color Bar, Fragrance  Bar, Hand Massage Bar and more.

Also, meet award-winning contemporary artists presented by The Downtown Arts District, Orlando. Light bites and cocktails will be served.

Reservations...

Posted at 05:11 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/16/10

Year of the Tiger

As a former New Orleans resident, it’s hard for me to get totally enthusiastic about Mardi Gras anymore. In fact, it makes me sad that I can’t walk out onto my front porch like I used to and see a slew of parades go by in the week prior to actual Fat Tuesday.
But, this weekend I discovered my antidote to missing a real New Orleans Mardi Gras: Chinese New Year. The Vietnam district downtown has several spirited events open to the public that draw large crowds of families—just like Mardi Gras parades do. They also happen on the street, which lend themselves to inviting the casual pedestrian to wander over and join in.
Chinese New Year happened to fall on Valentine’s Day this year.  I would have forgotten about it if the man behind the counter at...

Posted at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/03/10

Devine Valentine

 Ah, the Day O' Love  approaches. For those looking to treat their date to something out of the ordinary, here's an idea that came across my desk:

GET FRESH WITH YOUR VALENTINE IN AN  INTERACTIVE AND EDIBLE FANTASY 
WORLD

-- Stimulate the Senses with Renowned Performance Group DRIP During 
Their Culinary Performance Art Event Fresh at The Cameo Theatre --

ORLANDO, Fla. -- For seven days this February, 
Orlando-area residents and visitors alike can stimulate all of their 
senses while being...

Posted at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/12/10

Jeanie Weenie

I love clothes, but I refuse to wear a trend for a trend’s sake. All I know is that I’m sick of super-skinny jeans with low waists. For me, someone with a narrow waist and hips slightly wider than my thighs (isn’t that natural for most women?), it's hard to find a truly flattering fit. Also, if at all possible, I like to avoid the walking-pelvis-on-two-toothpicks look.

Bleh. I think the style in general is getting tired. My ideal jean is one that has very narrow legs but isn't completely form
fitting, like these dreaded "jeggings:''
 

I realize skinny styles are to be worn...

Posted at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1

12/15/09

Oishi

An addiction of mine is Japanese candy. I had a chance to live in Tokyo for a few consecutive summers after graduating from college and developed a taste for all things sweet and Japanese. Hi-Chews (especially the lychee-flavored ones) were a particular favorite. They tasted like the best Starburst you can imagine with a much finer, softer texture.

The gummies, any brand, any flavor, were equally amazing: succulent, soft drops with a delicately sweet fruit flavor—pretty much the antithesis of those tough chewy bears or worms that taste like wax. 

I bring this up is because Super Oriental Market, one of Orlando’s biggest...

Posted at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

11/19/09

A Victorian Obsession

I’ve had the 1890s on my mind lately. Not long ago, I read an interview with comedienne Margaret Cho about how she and her husband considered themselves to be “steampunks": a subcultural movement that includes wearing Victorian and Edwardian garb (such as corsets, waistcoats, pocket watches) and a gothic fascination with machinery of yore.  Then, about a month ago while working on a fashion shoot for Orlando magazine, Lisa Smith of Orlando Vintage brought out some Victorian clothing she had aquired. She was smitten with its edgy incorporation into artsy kids’ wardrobes.
Well, gosh darn it: The New York Times published something about all...

Posted at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments: 3

09/08/09

Jewels in Our Midst

I am constantly impressed by the amount of talent and creativity Orlando holds. Two local jewelry designers I recently came across are perfect examples.

The first is Italian-born fashion designer Consuelo Bellini. You may have seen her work as the costume designer for the “Education Is In” campaign for Valencia College but she also makes killer jewelry. You can find her wares at Tuni’s (301 S Park Ave. Winter Park) and at Obsession Boutique downtown.

New on the scene from New York is Michal Yakar. Her gorgeous line made with Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones in girly constructions have been sold at Henri...

Posted at 07:27 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0