“The Blonde and The Maven” Join Yoko Ono and RuPaul at the Annual, World-Famous GAY-la, the White Party
by The Blonde and The Maven
Contributing Writers  
On Saturday, November 27, the party OF ALL PARTIES took place in South Miami, at the elegant and historical Vizcaya Museum and Garden. The White Party is an indescribably extravagant event that takes place every year on the last Sunday in November. However, for the first time in its 20-year history, the party took place on a Saturday evening.
For those of you who are in the dark and don't know what the White Party is, let us give you the scoop! To begin with, why white? According to the founders of the White Party, white is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful! This is “THE” fundraising party event in which people attend from all over the world to celebrate life. The pricey cost of entrance goes to benefit the oh-so-worthy cause of HIV and AIDS. Miami has the second highest AIDS case rate in the nation and neighboring Ft. Lauderdale has the fifth highest. Because of sponsors such as La Paloma and North 110 restaurants, Williamson Cadillac, Smirnoff and the volunteers generous support, Care Resource—who runs the event—is able to keep expenses low and turn 86 percent of total revenues back into approximately 65,000 instances of free services to their clients in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. This year, Care Resource anticipates serving ten to twelve thousand individual clients. The moneys raised from the White Party events helps underwrite HIV/AIDS services such as HIV clinical trials and intervention programs, health care, doctors, medicine, volunteer services and operational costs for care management, psychosocial counseling, prevention education, counseling and testing, information services and administration costs. 
 
In 1985, the founders of the newly formed Health Crisis Network asked Frank Wager to head their fundraising efforts and the White Party was born. Over the years, the White Party has become an internationally recognized event and helped define the gay party circuit worldwide. Rick Siclari, Director of Operations for Care Resource, said, “This fabulous, over-the-top event is the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the world and tonight is the best White Party ever! Over 2,500 people attended this year's party and over 15,000 people from 16 countries during the week long series of events.”
Celebrities from all walks of life found their way to this lavish and beautiful night under the stars, including Yoko Ono, RuPaul, and Chi Chi LaRue.
We all know that AIDS and HIV is a tragic, deadly disease. Even though this wonderful event is so FAB, we all pray that AIDS will one day disappear and the White Party will just be a celebration of life!
To donate money to this crucial cause, or to find out more details, visit www.careresource.org.
The Blonde: Oh my, my, my, my some people really know how to have fun and throw a party. The White Party was like the old N.Y. club Studio 54 meets a bash at Donald Trump’s house meets a party at the Playboy mansion with Hugh Hefner meets an evening social-gathering at Donatella Versace's compound. This gala had it all… amazing live music and DJs, dancing, mingling with fun people, delicious food and drink, outrageous wild white costumes, and gorgeous guys.
The Maven: I had the best time, too! It's just such a shame that I was so uncomfortable all night… The Blonde: CRAMPS? Gas? Indigestion? The Maven: No! For heaven sake! You had to wear all white to the White Party and I was wearing white shoes, which you are NEVER allowed to wear after Labor Day! The Blonde: Yes, with the one exception of the White Party! Oh please! I was uncomfortable, too. White makes me look fat! But as soon as I met Yoko Ono, I was over it. HER white outfit was so totally cool and she looked so skinny. How can anyone look that thin wearing all white? When I asked her for a quote about life, she replied, “Let's stay young!” Easy for her to say! The Maven: You didn't look fat, but you did look TACKY in that white feather boa! The Blonde: EXCUSE ME? I thought it was fitting and appropriate. I bought that beautiful boa at the Elton John concert on our trip to Las Vegas. The Maven: Yeah, I know. You still owe me the money for that! The Blonde: Moving right along…Ya know, Maven, this party made it clear to me at long last, 'just what life is all about.’ The Maven: Oh, PLEASE, do tell us all, you Shirley MacLaine wannabe! The Blonde: NO! Not with that attitude I won't. The Maven: Okay, let me guess, “Let's stay young!” The Blonde: Well, looking young, staying thin, and shopping. That's it! THAT, my dearest friend, is the meaning to life. You heard Yoko! The Maven: Gee, and to think all these years I thought it was family, friends, religion, and charity. The Blonde: Hey, you were at the party! Everyone looked young, thin, well jeweled, beautifully shoed, and dressed ONLY in “Le-Designer” clothes and EVERYONE was VERY HAPPY! Hence, the answers to the meaning of life and happiness. The Maven: Forgive her, readers, as THE BLONDE is still a little hung-over. The Blonde: I am not allowed to drink! The Maven: I was trying to make excuses for your shallow thinking. Work with me! The Blonde: You're right. I forgot plastic surgery and a great haircut and color! The Maven: Well that's a different story, then. The Blonde: By the way, why were you so late to pick me up for the party? That's not like you! The Maven: You want the truth” Just before leaving my house I realized that I had to feed the cats. While opening the can of Nine Lives Tuna and Shrimp, my LONG French-tip nail got caught on the lid and flicked it over on me. I was now covered in red smelly cat food mush. I had to run and change into another white outfit that I had to conjure up. That is why I was late! The Blonde: Now tell me the truth! You're lucky you had two white outfits. I must say I found it quite disheartening that there were 2,500 handsome, young, single men at this party and not one of them looked twice at me. Thank heavens Yoko Ono was there to hang out with… oh and you too, Maven! Hey Maven, why did so many guys think I was Cindy Lauper? We look nothing alike! I so resemble Angelina Jolie! The Maven: I know you loved hanging with Yoko! At long last you found someone you were taller than. Finally, someone tinier than The Blonde! AND HONEY, you look as much like Angelina as you do Cindy! As for myself, I wasn't sure if I was having hot flashes or all those shirtless, perfectly toned, beautiful, delicious, male bodies everywhere got to me! The Blonde: YOU GOT ONE OF THEM! No wonder you used so many adjectives! I AM SO JEALOUS! The Maven: Only that night in my dreams!
The Blonde and The Maven: The White Party was a wonderful experience and a terrifically successful evening for everyone involved. We would like to extend a special thank-you to our press escorts Frank and Scott for showing us around and teaching us about this cause and the wonderful event, the White Party!
PHOTO IDS
1. RuPaul
2. Yoko Ono
Española Way Gets into
the Holiday Spirit
Española Way, located in the heart of South Beach, has been working with the community to prepare for the upcoming Holiday Season. Giving back is the “Española Way” as the neighborhood of stores is partnering with the Miami Beach Police Department to help with their annual Holiday Toy Give-Away. Helping approximately 600 needy children in Miami Beach receive holiday gifts, Española Way is asking people to make heartfelt contributions to the drive by donating new toys to the cause. Unwrapped gifts can be conveniently dropped off at two locations: Bedrock Properties, 432 Española Way, or Heart & Soul, 421 Española Way. The holiday toy drive will run from December 5 to December 20.
Española Way is also excited to partner with UNIVISION and its sister network TELEFUTURA to have the neighborhood as the backdrop of the networks’ entire Holiday Season campaign. Featuring all the talent from their Spanish-language television station known as TELEFUTURA, the campaign showcases Española Way’s unique feel and begin airing on Thanksgiving Day and run until several days after the New Year. The holiday campaign will run on both networks and provide residents and holiday visitors with one more opportunity to see the beauty and charm of Española Way.
The Española Way area of stores is getting shoppers into the holiday spirit by surrounding them with spectacular decorations and colorful lights that add a special touch to the neighborhood. With stores offering a unique selection of gifts, shoppers will be able to find everything on their lists and even a little something for themselves. During their shopping excursions, visitors will be able to relax at one of the eight wonderful restaurants lining the street. There is something for everyone on Española Way and the owners genuinely welcome all residents and visitors to experience an exciting and different area to shop and explore.
About Española Way
Española Way is located between Washington Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, between 14th and 15th Streets. Regarded as South Beach’s “best kept secret,” Española Way offers residents and tourists a unique experience unlike any other in Miami. The neighborhood celebrates the best of the Old and New Worlds with historic Spanish Mediterranean architecture, owner-run businesses for that added personal touch and unusual shops, restaurants and art galleries to attract all types of visitors.
Visitors can find convenient meter parking on Washington Avenue, 15th Street and Drexel Avenue and parking in residential parking zone 2 is free during the hours of 9-am6pm.
For more information on Española Way, contact Andrew Cohen, Association Board President, at 305-531-5322 or email acohen@bedrockproperties.net.
Oscar de la Renta and Her Grace the
Dowager Duchess of Devonshire to Visit DCOTA 
 
Oscar de la Renta Home for Century is inspired by the furniture found in Mr. de la Renta’s three very different habitats: his New York City residence, his country estate in Connecticut, and his Oceanside island retreat in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The result is a collection remarkable for its scope and variety—from sophisticated, 18th Century inspired mahogany pieces, to casually inviting upholstery, to Caribbean woven rattan designs. Price points also run the gamut, in keeping with Mr. de la Renta’s belief that great furniture design can be accessible.
One signature piece in the collection, The Trellis Dining Chair, is based on an 18th century Chinese Chippendale design Mr. de la Renta acquired from Sotheby’s. It is as much a “sculpture” as it is a dining chair. The round back offers a feathery crest and a pierced back reminiscent of a delicate garden trellis. Another favorite of Mr. de la Renta’s is his Radical Expansion Table. Turn the round top and its eight mahogany wedges glide apart and outward, making room for eight “fence post” extensions to fit snugly in between. Oscar de la Renta is a firm believer that round tables promote easy conversation.
De la Renta and Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire were dear old friends before they collaborated on a line of outdoor furniture together. It all began one day when they were taking tea in her garden at her castle in Chatsworth, England sitting in this very lovely teak furniture. Now the two friends are out together promoting their line of furniture that they have designed together!
Oscar Aristedes de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic. In 1963 he arrived in New York and began designing for Elizabeth Arden, having apprenticed with the legendary couturier Christobal Balenciaga in Madrid and later in Paris with the house of Lanvin. In 1965, de la Renta launched his own ready-to-wear label. Over the years, he has dressed royalty, First Ladies, Hollywood celebrities and socialites.
De la Renta has not restricted himself to the fashion arena. In 1977, he came out with his first perfume, titled Oscar, which is still the best selling perfume in the world and has come out with a new fragrance named Intrusion.
A discussion hosted and moderated by Ann Maine, Editor In Chief of Traditional Home, will take place in Atria B at DCOTA on Friday, December 3rd, at 11:30am. Seating is limited and by reservation only through Century Designer Showrooms at 954-929-5656. DCOTA is located at 1855 Griffin Road, open daily, 9am-5pm; 2nd Saturday hours, 10am–4pm. For more information about DCOTA, call 954-920-7997 or 1-800-57-DCOTA.
PHOTO IDS
1. Oscar de la Renta
Latitude’s River Flats Offer High Style:
Three Distinctive New Floorplans Give Latitude
on the River Buyers Exciting Living Options 
Latitude on the River is unveiling three, unique, new residential floorplans. The River flats run parallel to the river and also offer incredible views of downtown city lights. These two-bedroom, two-and-one-half bathroom residences offer generous living space and all of the incomparable amenities that come with living at Latitude. They range in size from 1,436 to 1,753 total square feet not including the spacious terraces and are the very first of their kind to be introduced in Miami condo living. Prices for the exclusive River flat layouts range from $500,000 to $600,000.
The rooms in a River flat residences have exclusive views of the Brickell riverfront, an area that is developing into Miami’s newest, ultra-chic place to be. Residents will be able to watch the boats float by and catch a glimpse of the city’s sparkle in the distance. River flat units are outfitted with Snaidero Italian Kitchens and generously sized lanai patios.
“We are the first to debut this type of design any where in the region. The elongated layouts maximize river and city views and the their location really makes the owner feel closer to the surrounding environment,” said Steven Gelb, E.A. Fish Associates partner. “You can virtually meander right off your patio onto the Riverwalk.”
Latitude on the River is the residential component of the mixed-use project Latitude, located at 615 SW 2nd Avenue in Miami’s Brickell Village. In addition to the flats, finely-appointed tower residences and penthouses of one, two and three bedrooms comprise the condominium. The 2.3-acre property will also feature a retail building and a commercial-office condominium building called Latitude One. E.A. Fish Associates, nationally esteemed waterfront developers from Boston are working in association with Reilly Development, Inc. and Arquitectonica structural design firm and Nick Luaces Interior Designs to create a truly an all-inclusive lifestyle where residents can work, live and play.
Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive broker for the residences. For more information, visit the sales center located onsite on the corner of SW 7th Street and SW 2nd Avenue, call 305-856-3456 or visit www.latitudemiami.com.
PHOTO IDS
1. Latitude on the River
Waverly at Surfside Unveils Two Newly Designed
Model Residences to Showcase Luxury and
Spaciousness to Buyers 
Margolias Realty Group has unveiled two model residences at The Waverly at Surfside, the new condominium community in the growing seaside town. Carole Pumpian of Caroline’s Design took a three-bedroom floorplan on the penthouse level of The Waverly Ocean Tower and a two-bedroom in The Waverly Garden Villas and transformed them into inviting, livable environments that capture the development’s two distinct living options.
The three-bedroom, two-bath, Ocean Tower model is a generously sized corner unit that spans 1,454 square feet. It features curvilinear, floor-to-ceiling glass to maximize Intracoastal, city skyline and ocean views. Pumpian decorated the residence as an elegant, formal space with a contemporary South Beach feel. Marine blue dominates the color scheme in this high-tech looking space, evoking a cool feeling. She played up the naturally sun-drenched space by adding frosted glass to the entry door. Units in this line start in the low $600s.
The 1,100 square-foot model residence at The Waverly Garden Villas offers a more relaxed Key West-like look with tropical decor, reflecting the styling of the building itself. Warm woods and rattan, offset by white upholstery and fresh turquoise and lime hues adorn this two-bedroom, two-bath residence. Units in this line are priced from the low $300s. “These charming villa-style residences are located a mere half a block from the beach and embrace an intimate community environment. Here, you get the feeling that you’re living on vacation on a tropical island,” notes Sol Margolias Principal of Margolias Realty Group, developer of Waverly at Surfside.
The Waverly at Surfside houses 111 residences, combined in the 12-story oceanfront building at 9201 Collins Avenue and the 47-unit Waverly Garden Villas across the street at 9172 Collins Avenue. Prices begin in the $200s.
Sales and marketing is being handled through Atlanta-based Coldwell Banker The Condo Store. The sales center is located in The Waverly Beach Tower, Suite 826. For more information, call 305-867-8778 or visit www.waverlysurfside.com.
PHOTO IDS
1. The Waverly at Surfside
Villazzo Names Joy Longhino
Marketing Director 
South Beach-based Villazzo, LLC, South Florida’s premier boutique hospitality, estate management and luxury property sales and marketing firm, is strengthening its team with the addition of Marketing Director, Joy Longhino. She oversees all of Villazzo’s sales and marketing efforts, which encompass advertising and marketing campaigns, production of promotional materials and new client acquisitions.
“Villazzo is going to benefit greatly from Joy’s broad and varied experience in the marketing industry,” said Christian Jagodzinski, Founder and Chairman of the organization. “She has a deep understanding of the discipline’s principles and a proven history of success.”
Longhino brings to the position extensive experience in marketing, specifically brand and business development and direct sales. Prior to joining Villazzo, Longhino served as Director of Marketing and Business Development for the Northeast Ohio region of Berkshire Hathaway's Shaw Industries. In addition, she earned sales and marketing experience as sales manager for the Southeast region of Memphis based Wright Medical Technologies.
Villazzo is a boutique organization with three distinct divisions, including Villazzo Villa Vacations, Villazzo Villa Management and Villazzo Villa Marketing. Founded in 2002, Villazzo Villa Vacations supplies discerning travelers with a worldwide inventory of posh, private vacation estates for rent. Each meets the highest standards in accoutrements, with all the amenities and services found in a world-class hotel. Villazzo Villa Management provides a full spectrum of property management services, and Villazzo Villa Marketing offers sales and customized marketing services for high-end homes, without a listing commission.
For more information call 305-777-0146 or visit www.Villazzo.com.
PHOTO IDS
1. Joy Longhino
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