It was a star studded event last Wednesday in celebration of the 2nd Annual Color-A-Cause at the Hoxton. Hosted by NBC anchor Roxanne Vargas and showcased through the eyes of Artist Joey Mugica, Miami’s “Power 20″ honorees were “Color Queened” and honored as South Florida’s most influential people. The 20 Honorees include: Beth Sobol, Adora, Berta Bravo, Craig Stevens, Hansell Leyva, James Cubby, Gerry Kelly, Jammin Johnny, Jipsy, Lesley Abravanel, Malinka Max, Maryel Epps, Michael Gongora, Stacy Russell, “Trend Tracker” Tara Gilani, Tony Guerra, Viviana Gabeiras, Nikola Charpentier and Rey Casas.

Charity proceeds for this event will go to “Neat Stuff for Kids”.

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By Ingrid Macher

Nothing can ruin your confidence faster than belly fat. Before I made my transformation and lost 55 pounds in 90 days… All I wanted was a flat tummy… with some sexy abs… But no matter how hard I worked… I couldn’t get rid of that frustrating “pouch.” I’d diet and exercise, but nothing I tried got me any closer to my goal. But then I did some research and found out why belly fat can be especially hard to lose. It turns out, a lot of the fat is actually stored under your stomach muscles. And you’ll never get rid of this fat by simply cutting calories or running on a treadmill. It’s much more complicated than that. Because to get this fat under control, you first
have to get certain hormones under control… hormones which cause you to store fat
around the midsection. But by following these 5 simple tips, you’ll take control of your hormones… and force your body to melt that stubborn belly fat.

Tip #1: Make sure you get enough sleep.
It’s funny. When we think of losing weight, we think of being active.
But sometimes the best thing you can do for your body is the thing that requires the least amount of effort…
Sleep! Lack of sleep has been shown to lead to weight gain. It makes us insulin resistant… which sends us into fat storage mode. It also controls our levels of leptin, which is known as the hunger hormone. So without enough sleep, we’re going to crave more food… making it harder for us to get the slim waistline we’re after.
So make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

Tip #2: Reduce stress.
Stress isn’t just something that takes its toll on you mentally. Its effects are actually felt by your body.
When you’re stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. Unfortunately, too much of this hormone causes your body to store belly fat. So it’s extremely important you control your stress levels. Exercise is a great way to do this. But make sure you also take time to allow your body and mind to rest completely.
A great way to do this is by meditation. Just close your eyes, play some music, and let your mind go where it wants to go.

Tip #3: Have good posture.
Many people underestimate the effects good posture has on their appearance.
By standing up straight and pulling in your tummy, you’re indirectly working your
stomach muscles all day… which helps them get that toned appearance. But that’s the only reason to practice good posture…
Another reason is… is simply makes you look skinnier! By making the decision to stand up
straight, you look much healthier and much more graceful than if you slouch.

Tip #4: Eat high-fiber “super foods.”
It’s hard to have a flat belly when you’re bloated. And the way you prevent the bloat is by including a lot of high-fiber foods in your diet,
which keep your digestion regular. Some great choices here are: wheat germ, chia seeds, and flax seed.

Tip #5: Eat small meals every 3 hours.
This is another way to prevent the bloating people get after eating a big meal.
By eating small meals more regularly, you make it easier on your body to digest those meals.
So you avoid bloating. Plus, these small meals keep your metabolism revved up… so you automatically blast more fat! Make sure to have a nice snack between lunch and dinner. Aim for foods high in protein and fiber. This will help boost your metabolism and keep you from overeating at dinner time.

By following these 5 tips, you’ll be able to make incredible progress… and get a flat tummy in no time.
I did it… and I know you can do it.

Ingrid Macher is a holistic health coach, personal trainer, and fitness motivator. After finding the key to losing 50 pounds in 90 days herself, she has found it her duty to help everyone to become more healthy and happy. On her website, she reveals how she did it in her free eBook: 
9 Simple Secrets I Used to Melt Away 50 Pounds – http://my9secrets.com/
9 Secretos que me Ayudaron a Perder 50 Libras Rapidamente – http://9secretos.com/

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Panamanian celebrity fashion designer Nick Verreos is visiting Southern Florida for the launch of his line at Dillard’s in Pembroke Pines on June 1st at 2PM.

Nick Verreos is a highly successful fashion designer, and TV Guide Network’s red carpet host and correspondent.  In 2001, Nick co-founded NIKOLAKI, with design and business partner, David Paul. NIKOLAKI sold in over 150 stores in the US, Japan, and Latin America, and was featured in various publications including WWD, Lucky, GenLux, Us Weekly, and People Magazine.

In an effort to help women look and feel their best, Nick has just launched the NV Nick Verreos dress line in Dillard’s department stores.  “I’ve incorporated my love of draping and color and also infused my years of knowledge as a fashion designer with details, fit, and shape that will flatter every woman’s figure, says Nick.  ”Every woman deserves a red carpet moment. For 10 years, I’ve designed a high-end collection that has been worn by everyone from Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria to Beyonce. And now with NV Nick Verreos, I’m excited to bring this contemporary line of dresses to women across America!”

MSM’s Carissa Davis goes One on One with Nick Verreos – The Dress Collection Interview

What makes you most excited about your dress line for Dillards department stores? What makes this line different from any of your previous collections (other than price)?

I’m so excited for the launch of my new “NV Nick Verreos” dress line, more importantly because this is the first time my designs are available across the country, as opposed to only in specific boutiques or only through “special custom order”. With my high end line of “NIKOLAKI” cocktail dresses and gowns, I had a limited reach of customers (especially with the four-digit price points) but with “NV Nick Verreos” available at about 50 Dillard’s PLUS online, it can reach a “national” market of fabulous women who want to look even more fabulous…and yes, at a lower price points since these dresses retail from $108-$168.

What is your inspiration for your dress line for Dillards?

My inspiration for “NV Nick Verreos” collection of dresses comes from my travels and visiting museums (paintings, sculptures), architecture, buildings. For this Spring/Summer collection, I was inspired by the Amalfi Coast of Italy and one of my favorite places to travel to, Positano. In general, however, I’m most inspired by strong confident women who are not afraid to take chances when it comes to fashion and look chic, sexy and powerful, all at the same time. Those women ARE my inspiration for “NV Nick Verreos”.

How do you incorporate your everyday experiences into your designs?

In terms of my “everyday experiences”, I would say those are not necessarily in every dress but instead my dresses definitely have my “DNA”; I’m half Greek and love interpreting the “Grecian Goddess” draping I love to do, in my designs. My other half is Latino, my mom is from Panama and I grew up in Venezuela so these dresses have a little bit of the fiery hot and very confident Latina woman in them! You might see that in the bold colors or more body-con shapes.

Who did you have in mind when you were designing your dress line for Dillards?

When I was designing “NV Nick Verreos” I thought of that confident self-assured woman I spoke of in the beginning. I always say this line is not for the “Wallflower” girl who wants to stand in the corner with your “typical” black sheath dress, but more for that woman who is not afraid to be seen across the room. She wants to be noticed and be complimented and these are dresses that give her power, confidence and as I say “an ego boost”. My “NV” woman reads all the fashion magazines, all the blogs and wants a dress that looks as if it’s $600 but for $108! She also wants to upgrade from those cheaper dresses (from “Fast Fashion” stores) that either don’t fit her right or start coming apart after only being worn twice!

What is the best accessory a woman can pair with the dresses from your dress line for Dillards?

Besides having me next to them as they make their entrance into a dinner/event/party…I think the (next best) accessory and/or accessories for my dresses would include one or two metallic cuffs/bracelets, a great pair of pumps, nude ones or metallic, and a fabulous clutch. Now, she’s ready for a night out in her new “NV Nick Verreos” dress. On the opposite spectrum of styling, a woman can accessorize one of the printed crepe dresses or draped jersey ones with some simple earrings, gold strappy sandals and then they are ready for a Sunday Brunch!

Did your childhood play a role in your pursuit of a career in fashion and design? And if so, how?

I would definitely say that “Yes!” my childhood did play a role in pursuing a career in fashion and design. As a little boy, we traveled a lot and my first memories of women with style were the fabulously uniformed flight attendants from Lufthansa, KLM, Pan Am, from back in the 70’s (yes, I am aging myself!). Also, growing up in Venezuela, I was very influenced by watching the “Miss Venezuela Pageant” and especially when they would have a GLORIOUS Fashion Show during the “evening gown” competition. I remember being 6 or 7 years old thinking “Wow, I want to make those dresses!”.

What three style tips do you have for Fall 2013 trends? What should women keep their eyes out for?

I would say for Fall 2013, women should keep their (style) eyes out for:
Eastern Influences: Look for dresses with Obi waist wraps and Kimono/Batwing Sleeves.
Leather Accents: Whether it is Faux or Real Leather; mix with Jersey and Stretch Woven fabrics for a modern and direction accent.
Color Blocking: This will be one of the biggest trends for Fall 2013. Look for unique contrast colors such as Peacock Blue with Chartreuse Green. Also, bold black and white shapes highlighting strong silhouettes.

How can you keep a flirty outfit from becoming over-the-top flashy? What really makes the difference between flirty and over-the-top flashy?

I think one can keep a flirty outfit from becoming over-the-top flashy by NOT over-accessorizing; this is one of the biggest mistakes women make. If the outfit and/or dress already is “flashy” whether it is already head-to-toe sequins or has some details such as a crystal-encrusted waistband or shoulders, then use that as an accessory and nix the necklace or the long chandelier earrings. Finally, one can go from flirty to flashy in a hot second when there is just too much being revealed. If the dress already has a very high slit, then a covered up neckline would be best (or visa versa); but having both and too much exposed, well, that takes you into “Hoochie”-zone.

What tips do you have for making a day-time outfit into a night out ensemble? What is the simplest way to do it?

The main tip is changing the shoes and the accessories. In other words, for daytime, you might wear a nude peep toe heel with one of my “NV Nick Verreos” dresses but then have a gold strappy heel in your “bag of Style Tricks” to change when you want take your look from 3pm to 8pm. Finally add one or two metallic bangles (one copper, one silver) and now, you are ready for “Cocktail Hour”, as they say.

What advice do you have for an aspiring designer? What are the three most important things an up-and-coming designer must do for success?

The three most important things an up-and-coming designer should always keep in mind are:

1) Always remember that moment when you began to dream of becoming a fashion designer and don’t let that leave your mind; whenever I am feeling like “How long can I go on…” I think of being that 6 year-old boy watching “Miss Venezuela” and wanting to make ALL women look that beautiful in my designs.

2) Always go above-and-beyond when working out in the industry. I always tell fresh out of fashion school kids to DO EVERYTHING and show up on a Saturday (even if it’s not in your Mon-Fri schedule), pick up the fabric swatches from the floor, get the coffee, be there at 7:55 am when you’re supposed to show up at 8am. And do this for the next TEN years if you have to. I did. I always say “You’re not a DIVA until you have a ‘Diva’ resume!” so work, work, work. And this perseverance and going above-and-beyond is what I think helped me be successful.

3) Be nice to everyone you work with…the seamstresses, the patternmakers; you’re not too good for anyone. You never know when you might want to start your own company and need those seamstresses/patternmakers help.

Launched in the spring 2013, the NV Nick Verreos brand is a collection of feminine, flirty, and ethereal dresses for women who are not afraid to take risks.  With a variety of styles, colors, sizes, and price points, the NV Nick Verreos line will make any woman look her best, and feel more confident.  To view the entire collection, please visit NVNickVerreos.com or Dillards.com.  Like us on Facebook.com and join the conversation on Twitter.com

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Interviewed by Samantha Marie, Lifestyle Editor
Photo’s courtesy of Siren Public Relations, Inc.

MSM gets the facts from Cindy Barshop, founder and owner of Completely Bare…

SM: Is it necessary to hire a licensed esthetician for waxing, or is this something that anyone can do themselves at home?

CB: It’s not necessary to hire a licensed esthetician if you have great quality products at home. For those who prefer to wax at home, Completely Bare’s Salon Quality Bikini and Body Wax Kit, Salon Quality Face & Other Sensitive Areas Wax Kit and Hypo Allergenic Wax Strips for Face, Bikini, Body help to achieve wonderful results and are the same high-end, result-oriented quality wax used in my New York spas.  If you are going to a spa, make sure the aestheticians there are licensed; if you are paying someone for a service they should have the proper credentials and deliver stellar results.

SM: What are some of the pros and cons of waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal?

CB: First and foremost, your preferred method of waxing, shaving and/or laser hair removal really depends on the person.

Some of the pros of waxing include:

- An immediate result
- It’s not as expensive
- Can wax either in the convenience of your home or at a spa

The cons of waxing include:

- It’s more painful
- Ingrown hairs are possible
- Have to wait for it to grow back before waxing again
- You have to wax for the rest of your life

The pros of laser include:

- Gets rid of it forever
- Rejunvates skin in area
- No irritation
- At some point, you begin to save money
- You’re forever hair-free
- Great for coarse, dark skin
- Great if certain parts of hair on your body affect your everyday life

Some of the cons of laser include:

- It’s more expensive, as it’s a larger up-front cost
- Cant have a fresh suntan; you need to wait two weeks before going for your laser appointment

Some of the pros of shaving include:

- Fast results
- It’s inexpensive

The cons of shaving include:

- It can grow back faster and thicker
- Can lead to ingrown hairs

SM: How long must the hair length be before you can wax your legs, under arms, bikini area, etc..?

CB: I would advise for hair to be 1/4 inches long before waxing any area of the body.

About Completely Bare:

Founded on Madison Avenue, New York City over ten years ago by hair removal expert Cindy Barshop, the single spa in NYC has grown into a national success. The Real Housewives of New York City, Cindy is the founder of Completely Bare, the number one destination for hair removal for men and women in NYC and around the nation, providing breakthrough treatments and unparalleled service in laser hair removal, spray tanning, Brazilian bikini waxing and more with innovated techniques such as the VajewelT nationwide. Boasting highly trained hair removal experts, cutting edge technology and its Completely Bare method of hair removal, Completely Bare is the go-to spa for gentle, lasting hair removal. Catering to the world’s most discerning clients, Completely Bare offers an array of laser hair removal treatments, providing options for every hair type, skin color and hair color. Every service utilizes new innovations for a customized and comfortable experience; from “ouch-less” wax for sensitive skin to scent-free sculpted tans.

Completely Bare has been featured in renowned publications such as Vogue, InStyle, Elle and Cosmopolitan and has been recognized by New York Magazine as one of the most innovative and successful spas in NYC.

Founder, Cindy Barshop was a cast feature on Bravo’s hit television show, The Real Housewives of New York City.

Completely Bare products can be purchased at CVS.com

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Photos by Imani Ogden
MSM AROUNDTOWN

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As we walked across the pool deck of 500 Brickell, we half expected to see mermaids glide across the pool and pop up onto the runway. Crowds of chicly dressed fashion-goers mingled in line for cocktails while others gathered by the beautifully lit pool and the glowing Miami skyline for pictures with newfound friends. Among the chic, Sol Filippi in a stunning turquoise necklace of her own design, greeted guest and conversed with MSM about her career journey inside the fabulous world of jewelry design. Backstage, Juliana Rojas hastened her models (who were clad in gorgeous crocheted dresses and bikinis) to line up for what turned out to be a truly unique and spectacular fashion show.

*Stay tuned for our Summer Issue featuring one-on-one interviews with Juliana Rojas and Sol Filippi.

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By Reagan Lightsey

It’s nine a.m. on a Thursday and I’ve just been handed a glass of wine by a smartly-dressed yachting attendant. As I stand on a makeshift dock right across Collins Avenue from the Fontainebleau, I think to myself… “I could get used to this life…”

As a matter of fact, I think I could get used to living full-time on any one one of these larger-than-life (or at least my life!) yachts. Ha—maybe if I was 25 sitting on $25 mill” like Drake…but alas, I just turned twenty-six, and I don’t see the purchase of one of these gorgeous Ferretti yachts in my very near future. So, if “you only live once” is, indeed, “The Motto,” I’m more than happy to throw back some wine and pretend that I am buying a boat.

…But not just any boat. (In fact, to say the word “boat” in connection with this masterpiece is probably among the greater fo pauxs of this event.) The pick of the litter today is the brand new Pershing 82’ whose debut I am here to applaud. With all of the sophistication of any number of yachts by the Ferretti Group and a cruising speed of 45 knots, yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni has achieved something to admire.

Since its origin in 1968, the Ferretti Group has built a legacy of unwavering excellence, and this is certainly true of the Pershing. The detail of this eighty-two foot yacht is not simply in the fabric—rather, it is in the wood grains, the perfectly selected, top-notch leather and the brilliantly engineered retractable glass back half. And of course, we cannot forget the majesty of its low, aggressive stance on the waves. I am fairly certain that to own a Pershing 82’ is to have arrived.

That said, nothing less than the grandeur of the Miami Boat Show could have done for its debut. As a matter of fact, this particular display of yachts is the largest in Miami Boat Show history—only fitting for the sleekness of this iconic yacht.

As we tour the interior—a large living space on the main floor behind the captain’s chairs (with the aforementioned retractable doors), four bedrooms and a kitchen—it is quite easy to see why the Pershing 82’ boasts three awards, including “Best Interior Layout” and “Best Innovation.” And certainly, we can’t overlook the third award, “Best Exterior”, especially when we take into account the beautifully designed sundecks. Yes, that is sundecks with an “s”, as there are actually two: one smaller one on the tip-top by the pilot’s seat and one perfectly situated slightly lower at the bow of the boat. Truly, no detail has been overlooked.

As I wind my way back down the retractable carbon steel staircase that delivered me to the sundeck, it becomes increasingly clear why Ferretti Group has had over forty-four years of success; the splendor of the Pershing 82’, while special in its own right, also extends across their other seven brands. From the Bertram and Riva S.p.A. to the Itama, (an open motor style yacht), Ferretti merges distinction and finesse to achieve a particular brand of yachting superiority.

View article in our spring issue here!

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Indulge yourself  with one of nature’s most exquisite gems by Mikimoto with their new collection called Regalia. These cultured pearl gems drive elegance into any cultured pallet. Intricately feminine designs combined with unexpected shapes and settings lend a timeless twist to a classic ensemble.

Pearls have been recognized as an emblem of purity with good fortune and it is without a doubt that this collection is reserved for the purely fortunate who are willing to make a visual impact on their audience. Regalia is a collection of thirteen one-of-a-kind pieces. Not limited to the timeless elegance that is customary of lustrous pearls-these pieces spell a unique magic that will enchant you each time they are worn. It is as if Mikimoto designed this collection to complement a fairytale inspired by dangling dreams themselves. Sinking into a bath could not lather you with a more graceful gentility than Mikimoto Regalia collection; there is no cake that could satiate the craving these pearls fulfill. You are worth the indulgence.

Featured in MSM’s Spring issue 2013:

Mikimoto Regalia is available at Mikimoto boutiques in New York, California, and Las Vegas.

For more information on Mikimoto and the Regalia Collection visit:  www.mikimotoamerica.com

Text by Sepi Nasiri

Vice President, Women 2.0

& Contributing Writer, MSM

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By Evelyne Verpaalen

Photography by Viveca Ljung

Who doesn’t dream of being in Vogue or being the muse of Bruce Webber and have campaigns for H&M?  And who has had a cast covering their broken arm ‘tattooed’ by the guys from Miami Ink?

Vanessa is just that it-girl…With her light-blonde hair and her big blue eyes: a recipe of pure model genes from a handsome German dad and a beautiful tall blond Swedish mum.

She is only eight years old, but has done things we adults can only dream of doing.

When Vanessa was only 10 months old she was already shooting her first Macy’s campaign. Not long afterwards she ‘signed’ with top-model agency Wilhelmina models and World of Kids.

Since Vanessa is very young, she has a maximum amount of days that she can work and she can’t be behind on her schoolwork, so her jobs are carefully selected:  nevertheless she has done editorials for Vogue, Elle Italia, Grazia, campaigns for American Girl, H&M  and shot with amazing photographers like Richard Phibbs, Koto Bolofo, Anke Menke.

Her mum Viveca knows the drills of the fashion-industry since she is a photographer herself and always made sure that her daughter enjoys her modeling career, since she often sees parents enjoying it more than the actual kids. So, no ‘Honey boo boo’  stage mum drama here. It’s refreshing to see a mother supporting her daughters career and traveling with her to all her jobs. What makes Vanessa so in demand besides her pretty features and dynamic personality, is that she is a natural. “Our last Christmas card was a collage of pictures from Vanessa making silly faces: everybody thought it was some really impressive photo shoot, but she just made them herself when playing on iPhoto. Above all Vanessa is a child, who likes to play, but she loves the camera and the camera happens to love her.

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On Saturday April 14th, Neat Stuff held its 3rd Annual Charity Casino Night Event at the Coral Gables Country Club. Some of those in attendance included the City of Coral Gables Mayor, Jim Cason who presented Chairman of the Board, Eric Vainder with a city proclamation. Crystal Ruiz, Miss Florida Teen was presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. MC Lissette Gonzales introduced two former clients, Roxana and Becky Cespedes who talked about how Neat Stuff impacted their lives when they were in foster care. CBS4 Lissette Gonzalez and community friends helped raise $75,000! This will provide a one week supply of new school uniforms to 1,250 children.

Sponsors include:
Allstate, Northern Trust Bank, Miami Dolphins Foundation, Solstice Point Partners, Navarro Hernandez Law Firm, Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, ByWines, Lucky Player Vodka, Segel Family Foundation, Mead Family Foundation, TD Bank, and Affiliated Health Care.

Neat Stuff was founded in 1995 by Phyllis Krug. With only a handful of clients in their beginnings, they have grown to helping more than 7000 children. Ninety-six percent of every dollar donated goes towards services for the children, while only 3 percent is for management and one percent towards fundraising.

http://www.neatstuffhelpskids.org

For more photos of the event, goto:
www.miamishoot.com/aroundtown/

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