Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week Fun!

Hello…
Fun for fab fashionistas continues! Last night was a biggie with parties and receptions at Coralia Leets, Thread, SEE, Luma and more. Among the highlights was the MAC makeover madness going on at Thread. Nearly a dozen artists dabbed, brushed, rubbed and glossed lots of lovely ladies. Tammara Kohler brought out some blues for the late night Peroni show at Luma. Tonight Tuni is hosting designers Dana Foley and Anna Corinna with a trunk show and reception from 5-9. And tomorrow…ta-da…the big show under the tent is the grand finale. The tent opens at 6 with the runway show starting at 7. Check it all out!
Later,
Christi

Think Pink in October

Panera Bread's Pink Ribbon bagel

It’s October – which not only means cooler, drier weather, it also signifies the color pink. Friday kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Panera Bread did its part by donating 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of its Pink Ribbon bagel to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Panera also gave away 1,550 free mammograms, a value of $215,000.
In case you didn’t get a chance to pop in Panera on Oct. 1, the Pink Ribbon bagel will be available all month, and the local bakery-cafes will donated $.25 from each Pink Ribbon bagel sold to M.D. Anderson.
Not only do the bagels stand for a great cause, they’re also delicious! The bagel features cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar.
Be sure to check Orange Appeal’s website for a complete listing of Breast Cancer Awareness events, and don’t forget to think pink!

Later,
Christi

Peabody’s Debut & Fashion’s Heart

Napa at the Peabody

Hello–
The weekend was filled again… don’t act surprised! As a guest of the all-new Peabody Orlando I experienced some fine dining and cocktails accented by some sublime bliss in the spa. You really have to see Rocks cocktail lounge with a big-city vibe and live music. Napa restaurant pays wonderful homage to its geographical namesake with fresh dishes and, of course, worthy wines. It’s really a snap to get there using Universal Blvd. and valet’s part of the package! On Sunday Mark & Josie NeJame proved that fashion can be a very good thing with the debut of their new foundation, Runway to Hope, which provides much needed funding for pediatric cancer research and clinical trials. A brunch in the midst of The Mall at Millenia’s Fashion Week was a stellar success. Kudos to the most beautiful couple for raising awareness in such a fun fashion!

Later,
Christi

Views & Treasures

Hello…
Well, it's been 7 events in 8 days. but we're still going! Wednesday evening was all about the views of the beautiful intracoastal (Halifax River) and beyond to the Atlantic. It was an open house at Halifax Landing where you can land for less than $190,000. The beautifully decorated models were both spacious and cozy. An array of food, coconut shrimp to crab stuffed mushrooms was provided by local legend, Aunt Catfish’s. Last night the incomparable Miss H held court at BeOnPark for a spectacular sale of her precious and dramatic gems and minaudieres. Proceeds benefitted one of her faves… the Orlando Ballet. Don’t forget the Rockin’ Moroccan party Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 at Washburn Imports.
Later,
Christi

Grand Galas

Shakespeare Gala

Hello–
The weekend was full and felt (at least inside) a little like fall with ladies and gents dressed in more formal attire. At Saturday evening’s Players Ball to benefit the Bridges of Light Foundation, founded by Stacey Papp and Lora DeLorenzo to provide much-needed services to foster children, the mood was fun and the dresses were colorful and feminine at The Ritz-Carlton. On Sunday one of the most enjoyable events of the year, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s season opening gala, was held at the Lowndes theater Loch Haven Park with a red carpet entrance. Guests were treated to bounteous displays of food, drink and auction items followed by a live auction and performance. It was my treat to see so many familiar faces in one place. Today? Well, you can read about two touching events tomorrow!

Later,
Christi

Fabulous Food & Fashion

Rocks

Hello–
On Thursday evening I was invited to preview new food and beverage offerings at the renovated and expanded Peabody hotel. Two spots that are sure to please locals are Rocks cocktail lounge (and I mean lounge as in comfy chairs and sofas) and Napa, a restaurant inspired by the wine country. Barb Bowden, Alan Villeverde and the F&B team led a group through the new spaces followed by sampling and tasting. One word…superb! Last night was a biggie too… Fashion’s Night Out at Neiman Marcus. A national initiative the evening was all about the fun side of fashion with inventive stylings from uber-talented Tammara Kohler and artful shoes by Lori Mirisola of
Funky Junky Mosaics . It was a blast to see so many fashionable friends. And the risotto by Chef Robert Mason of Fiorella’s and the mashed potatoes from the Waldorf’s Bull & Bear were to die for! Tonight the Player’s Ball to benefit the Bridges of Light Foundation benefitting foster children.

Later,
Christi

Wednesday Happenings

Hello–
Yesterday was special for many Central Floridians and it was an honor to attend two events celebrating innovators and lives. The midday William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Awards Luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria is the Metro Orlando EDC’s annual tribute to people and companies in Central Florida that excel in business and technology. Later in the day I was touched by Pam & Gary Sain’s tribute to her father by hosting a reception at The Capital Grille to announce the Thoracic 100, a fundraising effort to benefit the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute’s efforts to combat the fast-growing disease. We certainly have some amazing community leaders!
Later,
Christi

Fabulous Family Dinner

Hello–
It is always a treat to have a meal at one of my favorite spots, but last night was was even more special as Kate and I dined with the owners and their adult children at Orchid on Park Avenue. As each dish was presented there was a story about how it was made, what was in it and what region of Thailand it came from. The kids said their mom, Sue, was a wonderful cook at home and they all encouraged her to open the restuarant. Everything from the delicate leaf wrap appetizer to the soft shell crabs was full of flavors — each an interesting melody of herbs, spices and exotic tastes. The dessert was sticky rice with sliced mango on top. What a wonderful way to discover cuisine and make some new friends!

Later,
Christi

New Season

Kool & the Gang!

Hello…
I realize it’s been a while (magazine deadlines) so I will have to catch up this week. It’s still hot and humid but the fall event season is already underway. There were three big events Saturday night and only two of us. So Kate attended the BETA Center’s Denim & Diamonds event while I throughly enjoyed myself at Life, Art, Music to benefit Hospice of the Comforter. The entertainment? Let’s just say it was Ladies Night!
Kudos to all three including the one we missed…Winnie Palmer Hopsital’s NICU celebrating 25 years.
Later,
Christi

Pure Pleasure

Hello–
What a wonderful two days of luxury at the Waldorf Astoria…the resort held an out of this world holiday showcase on Thursday evening with festive food, drink and entertainment. Yesterday we enjoyed the links and this is one tough course. We were following a group including Retief Goosen so we knew the course was challenging. Afternoon in the Guerlain Spa was bliss…a 90 minute massage. I almost fell asleep but didn’t want to miss anything! Dinner last night at the Bull & Bear started with drinks at the bar with Brandon. The dining room was full of wood paneling and club-like atmosphere but also had lots of light streaming in and views of the links and pool. Michael served up a perfect Caesar salad table side followed by the Tomahawk (a huge bone-in steak easily shared by three). Charming manager Manny was making sure everyone was welcome and happy. Did I die??? You should check it out.

Later,
Christi