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The Issue, Traveler

Marbella Bound!

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By Dawn Wilson / Photography courtesy of LHW Puente Romano Beach Resort, a lovely beach- side resort located in Marbella, Spain is just waiting to be explored. Marbella is on the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Spain. The Puente Romano Beach Resort was designed to resemble an actual Andalusian village. Guests love being far away from home but feeling as though they are a part of an exclusive community. The resort is located along Marbella’s Golden Mile, a 4 mile stretch, known for its exclusive luxury homes and incredible views. This location is ideal for such a luxurious resort as the Puente Romano Beach Resort. While you will probably want to explore the city of Marbella in its entirety, it will be hard to leave the resort with all that it offers. Singles, couples and families will all find Puente Romano Beach Resort, the perfect destination! Puente Romano Beach Resort has 249 suites and 12 rooms. Rooms are designed with guests total comfort in mind. There are a variety of rooms and suites to choose from based on your personal preferences. Hotel rooms have a classic-Mediterranean style with gorgeous marble bath floors. Each room has its own balcony. Suites are spacious, come in different design styles, and have private terraces. Suites offered at Puente Romano Beach Resort are beautified with a neutral color scheme, separate living room and sleeping areas. Some of the resort suites are designed in a contemporary Mediterranean style while others are offered in a more classic-Colonial style. Additional features found in the resorts suites include; sun loungers, jacuzzi bathrooms with sauna and whirlpool. Once you’ve selected your perfect accommodations and have settled in, you’ll want to know what else you can expect to find at the Puente Romano Beach Resort. There are seven distinct dining options, which include; French, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese and Spanish cuisine. Guests of the resort wouldn’t want to leave without experiencing the dishes prepared at the resorts Michelin class restaurant, Dani Garcia. Dishes at Dani Garcia are uniquely creative and made with savoy ingredients that are certain to delight even the most discerning palette. The many dining options provided, afford guests the opportunity to explore a variety of dishes. Many of the restaurants can be found at the resorts Plaza Village. Also located in the center of the Plaza Village is a contemporary lounge area with plenty of lounge seating, perfect for relaxing before or after a meal. In fact, this lovely lounge area is a focal point for many guests to reconnect with others traveling in their group. This area comes alive at night with live music and performances. On the weekends you can enjoy an exciting club atmosphere at Suite, a favorite among locals and visitors. Guests also enjoy shopping at the many specialty shops situated at the Plaza Village. The Marbella Club Golf Resort at Puente Romano Beach Resort is well-known among golf enthusiast. Included in the resort room rates are complimentary green fees and shuttle service to the resorts 18-hole, private golf course. The views from this magnificent championship golf course are astonishing. There is no wonder why it is a favorite destination for even amateur golfers. In addition to the golf course you will also find the renowned, Puente Romano Tennis Club. The tennis facility has been under the management of Wimbledon Champion, Manolo Santana since 1983. The Puente Romano Tennis Club is internationally recognized as one of the best tennis facilities in Southern Europe. The facility includes a gym, massage room, activity room and sauna. Many professional tennis players, such as; John McEnroe, Boris Becker and Emilio Sánchez Vicario, have played in international tournaments on the courts of this RFET affiliated tennis club. Resort guests have access to 10 courts and can be among the many patrons to enjoy professional tournaments at the clubs central court. There are also plenty of water activities offered. Guests can rent a Turkish boat and experience real-life sailing, go jet skiing, ride banana boats or water bikes. When you prefer to do something more relaxing, you may want to grab your favorite book or magazine and head over to one of the resorts three swimming pools. A favorite for those seeking true serenity is the resorts central pool located in the center of the botanical garden. If you are traveling with children, they can also have a fantastic time at Puente Romano Beach Resort. The Kid’s Club has plenty of programs and activities suited for every age group, games, painting, crafts, swimming lessons, tennis lessons and more. Allow the resorts incredibly accommodating and helpful staff help you plan your ideal vacation while staying at the Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella. Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

LIFESTYLE, Living, Luxury, The Issue

Artful Collaborations

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Brazilian Interior Designer Joao Armentano and Paulo Bacchi, CEO of Artefacto join forces in the ultimate collaboration of high end interior design. By Angela Betancourt The phrase ‘art and life become one’ can inspire the imagination and conjure a variety of literal and figurative imagery and meanings. The Related Group sought to take this phrase and turn it into reality by doing what they do best; creating an ultra luxury condominium building that entices both praise and envy. The result is the Marea, South of Fifth’s final and captivating condominium. Meaning tide in Spanish, Marea’s name is very fitting considering its location near the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach Marina. Marea was designed by the powerhouse team of Sieger Suarez Architects, Yabu Pushelburg (interior design), and Enzo Enea (landscape). They set out to capture Miami’s “uniquely glamorous fusion of art and design” and harmoniously incorporated original works of art by critically acclaimed contemporary artists in the common areas. Not surprisingly, there are hardly any units left at Marea and the last remaining penthouses are getting some extra VIP attention. The Related Group assembled another superstar team of designers to finish their last four penthouses which are going for upwards of $7 million. Brazilian Interior Designer Joao Armentano and Paulo Bacchi from the Brazilian luxury furniture manufacturer Artefacto, joined forces to create customized interiors for the penthouses and they define their designs as “a breathtaking fusion of European flair and Brazilian sensuality.” To celebrate this collaboration, The Related Group along with Krug Champagne hosted a private “Best of Brazil” event to unveil the designs. The renderings were showcased to a room full of VIPs which included Krug Champagne President & CEO Magareth Henriquez and the Executive Vice President of The Related Group Carlos Rosso. Guests enjoyed a variety of delectable appetizers and sipped on Krug Champagne as they toasted to the new designs and Armentano’s growing influence in the Miami market. Armentano’s practical, beautiful and intelligent style has made him one of the most sought after Brazilian designers and made him a perfect fit for this project. That evening Rosso appropriately described his work as “half bohemian and half luxury”. “We know that our buyers crave relaxed elegance and want to come home to a place of quiet luxury, which is exactly what he delivers,”said Rosso. His unique style combined with Artefacto’s established reputation for creating masterful work was exactly what The Related Group was looking for. “Working with Joao and Paulo was fantastic; they are both monumental names in Brazilian design. Bringing them to our team for this project really helped us tap into what our Brazilian buyers want,”added Rosso. The end results were incredibly detailed renderings that depicted rooms with exquisitely designed furniture, distinctive lighting, and a wide array of eclectic accessories; each perfectly placed to complete the room’s ambience. Future penthouse residences will find themselves in a spacious home that captures the vibrant spirit and relaxed luxury of Miami Beach. For Bacchi, this collaboration was an extremely rewarding experience. Working with talented designers like Armentano to or- chestrate a grand vision for a property like Marea represents the very essence of what he enjoys most about the work that he does. “Joao brings a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic to Miami. He uses vibrant tones and textures to infuse each space he envisions with a unique panache,” said Bacchi. Armentano’s experience working on this project was also very rewarding but very intense. It strengthened his existing bond between Artefacto and The Related Group. “The Related Group is one of the best groups around the world. I worked for them in Brazil and now in the USA. Their works are perfect,” said Armentano. “Artefacto is like my second home. Mr. Paulo Bacchi is doing a very important and good job. I love their designs and the quality.” Armentano knows good design and quality when he sees it. He’s been developing architectural projects, and interior decoration in the residential, commercial, corporate, and hospitality segments for more than 30 years. His works have been featured in prominent magazines, books, and exhibits and he is considered a design super star in his native Brazil. Now the US is starting to catch on. Armentano ‘s expansion to Miami first occurred when Bacchi brought him along with fellow Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar to work on other luxury developments like Paraiso Bay and 1 Hotel & Homes. Becoming a designer was more of an involuntary act than it was a conscience decision; his career chose him. He remembers always being drawn to objects with natural lines and his mind was always looking for ways to improve on things that would make living life better. A career in design came naturally and till this day he takes pride in expressing that he has never ‘worked’ a day in his life. Even Armentano’s idea of ‘free time’ still involves ‘work’. “I love to go to my office and go around construction sites. This is my life, this is my pleasure,” he said. He prefers to be at work where he can generate new ideas, embrace new projects, and face new challenges. Armentano draws inspiration from his surroundings and believes that artists have to keep an eye open for the special moments and opportunities that can evolve into fresh new ideas. “We are always looking for a special moment. Naturally I’m very lucky! I have several special moments in my life; sunsets, sunrises, friends, birds, and the perfect family. Thank God! I’m so lucky to have these special conditions. So it’s easy to create, to make something special, and to work with pleasure. It’s the perfect way,” said Armentano. Armentano has big dreams for the future and will continuously tap into special moments for future projects. Though he doesn’t have something specific he would like to work on next; the bigger picture of what he envisions will serve a greater and noble purpose. “You know, we live in a very big world. My dream (and I think

Culinary, The Issue

Bocce Bar’s Newest Acquisition, Chef Daniel Tackett

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By Nycole Sariol Change can be stifling. Oftentimes, it can induce a sense of anguish, unavoidable doubt, and a medley of “what ifs.” But on the knife-and-fork scene, as far as Miami is concerned, change is welcomed with open arms – Bocce Bar’s newest addition, Chef Daniel Tackett can certainly attest to that. At its inception late of last year, the Midtown grub-hub, responsible for awakening all six senses by way of traditional Italian cuisine, was first steered by non-other than the 305’s most beloved restaurateur of Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill, Chef Timon Balloo. And when news came that Balloo would be handing his second “child” over to the then New York-based chef, Daniel Tackett, to helm the kitchen, questions pertaining to the inconclusive outcome of the eight-month old restaurant and its menus were bound to ensue. Though his departure from Bocce to focus full-time on his first love, Sugarcane, came as bit of a surprise, Balloo, alongside partners, Samba Brands Management, chose the right man with the same size foot to fill his shoes. And while Tackett may be the new-kid-on-the-block with only eight weeks of being apart of Miami’s food scene underneath his belt, by no means is he a novice to the art of Italian cuisine. The now executive chef has sizable bragging rights, as former sous chef under the guidance of James Beard Award Winner Michael White at places like Alto and seafood haven, Marea, amid the unruly streets of New York City. Tackett also has the liberty to humbly boast about adding Scarpetta New York to his dense repertoire. But contrary to popular belief, Chef Tackett is no stranger to cooking up Italian signatures in South Florida. In fact, Tackett spent one whole summer lending a deft hand in the kitchen of Giovanni Rocchio at Valentino’s Cucina Italiana in Fort Lauderdale, earning him South Florida street cred amongst Miami’s best. And since being dubbed big-man-in-charge at Bocce, Tackett now has free range to integrate his past to coincide seamlessly with his present, tweaking-up Bocce’s menu – namely, towards more “seafood-centric” offerings. Change was inevitable upon Tackett’s arrival, yet he still wanted to embrace Balloo’s ideology of simplicity, keeping true to authentic Italian culture and tradition. However, just because simplicity is the inferred style of cooking under Tackett’s reign, his dishes are nowhere near meager. The first area he sought to jump start on the menu was dinner with flavor- laden dishes like the Gnocchetti Sardi Al Negro, a plate ingratiated by black squid-ink, durum-wheat pasta, enriched with tomato-grazed baby octopus and calamari, and bedashed with bread crumbs and basil, which may have been imbued by his time spent at Marea. Chef Tackett says, “It’s kind of that answer to Fra Diavolo – a good depth of flavor from cooking the octopus in the tomato, which also helps tenderizes.” His next area of transformation: “We’re gearing up for the lunch menu changes.” A rally of tasting and testing has been undergoing in order to summon exceptional newcomers to his menu. And though no specifics have been disclosed thus far, experimentation guarantees a menu of candidates beyond reproach. The lunch and dinner menus maybe receiving ongoing facelifts, but there is one particular attribute at Bocce Bar Tackett thinks is perfect just the way it is: the establishment’s design. “Right when you walk up to it, the olive tree in front makes a statement,” Chef Daniel speaks of Bocce’s most unique import hailing all the way from Italy. “I love how the tiles are broken up with the concrete in the flooring, the tall ceilings, giving the space a little bit of an industrial look,” he continues on with enamored words. “Character is definitely there, naturally.”   Artisanal nuances awash the restaurant like exposed wooden beams, mismatched chairs, and polished wooden pews. But perhaps the trait that sets the tone at Bocce the most is, of course, the bocce-ball court, where sober and befuddled patrons alike find their only source of authentic, Italian entertainment in Miami, paying homage to the Ancient Roman predecessor of modern-day bowling. But Chef Daniel is being kept entertained with a new game of his own: the wood oven. “I’m learning to play with it; that’s new for me,” he admits, while charred-smoke from the oven in the back now wafts in front of his face. Uncharted machinery can be daunting to crack, but Chef Daniel fears not of the fiery cave – in fact, he embraces it. “We’re actually cooking with beets and the ash that’s left over,” he says. “We let the beet cook through those hot embers of the ash, so it gives it a very subtle, smoky flavor.” Mastering how to tame and play nice with a scorching wood oven is one thing, but composing a thriving restaurant within Midtown’s epicenter and keeping it that way, is a whole different bocce- ball game. “With restaurants, we grow, we change, we evolve, and we progress. It’s like a living breathing thing – like a child,” Tackett emphasizes on nursing his pride and joy from infancy to adulthood. “We have to constantly educate ourselves, educate our staff, learn through trial and error, and listen to what the public wants.” Located at 3252 Northeast 1st Avenue Miami, Fl 33137 Tel: (786) 245-6211 Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

Luxury, The Issue

Aston Martin

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HEART OF DARKNESS By Kevin F. Gbolie Many vehicle manufacturers today are looking to reinvent themselves to keep up with the times. However, Aston Martin is sticking to a timeless design with a hint of modern dark art in the 2015 version of the Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition. The DB9 Carbon Edition injects pure seduction to what the British manufacturer does best: Making a bold vehicle that stands the test of time. The DB9 Carbon Edition is set apart by being available in only two colors: Carbon Black and Stratus White. The color selection fits inline with the monochrome theme that Aston Martin is presenting with the Carbon Edition. The merging of a timeless theme with a timeless car. In addition to the color selection, The DB9 Carbon Edition comes in two body styles: the classic 2-door coupe, or the 2-door volante. Both styles are designed to fit the owner’s needs. Those with the coupe will look stylish pulling up to a high-profile event-looking equally as sharp as the DB9-while volante owners will have the wind in their hair as they drive alongside the ocean with the top down for a relaxed afternoon. To match the seduction of the exterior, The DB9 Carbon Edition has an equally alluring interior that Aston Martin describes as “the heart of darkness.” To show the heart of darkness, Aston Martin has encased the interior with premium black leather that is temptingly soft. This makes for a comfortable and lavish driving experience. In order to make the black leather stand out, flashes of color implemented in the stitching add another dimension for the DB9. The precise stitching holding the leather together comes in three colors: red, silver, or yellow. These colors add a subtle, but elegant pop to the interior. Aston Martin has added many finer details all over the vehicle to make it a truly exclusive model. From the piano black finish on the air vents and trim on the interior, to the black diamond-turned wheels, each selected exclusive finish only adds to the internal and external beauty of the vehicle. The DB9 Carbon Edition sets a premium standard of what a limited edition luxury car should be. The Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition is a work of art, but make no mistake, this is also a vehicle of power. Retailing at over $200,000.00, you get the power you pay for. Housing an AM11 V12 engine, this vehicle is capable of a sprint time of 4.6 seconds. Not to mention, it houses a carbon-fibre diffuser which improves the aerodynamic function of The DB9 by drawing air for under the car. This helps with the overall speed and performance of the car for the speed demons out there. Owning the Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition takes a person with a certain class, like James Bond. The MI6 agent who defined class in and of itself, drove an Aston Marton DB5 in Goldfinger. Step inside the Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition, and you may think you must be dreaming, too. Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

Fashion, MSM Online

#GIRLBOSS… The Book Review

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By Katie Jackson #GIRLBOSS will leave you wanting to create your own empire—and to always believe in yourself If you’re in need of an inspirational pick-me-up that will leave you ready to start living out your dreams, #GIRLBOSS is an absolute must-read. Sophia Amoruso, CEO and founder of the leading fashion retailer Nasty Gal, shares her story of how she went from a dumpster-diving, community college dropout to the leader of a 100 million dollar company. In her fascinating fashion tell-all, Amoruso fills in the blanks of her inspirational life, while also providing advice that proves that you can make something out of nothing with pure passion and drive. Within the #GIRLBOSS pages, you will learn how Amoruso launched, merchandised, styled, and photographed the models (whom she paid in burgers) for her original online store called Nasty Gal Vintage all on her own. You will see how she went from a one-woman band working from her bed in a pool house with no kitchen in Pleasant Hill, California, to overseeing more than 350 employees in a gigantic office in Los Angeles. But while details of Amoruso’s monumental rise provide crucial business and marketing tips, perhaps what is most interesting about #GIRLBOSS is Amoruso’s emotionally wise insight and ability to inspire others through her own life lessons. Each chapter of the book is accompanied with a profound quote from a leader in the fashion, business, political or art world (e.g. Chapter Eight’s quote, “I never dreamed about success, I worked for it,” by Estee Lauder). Within each chapter, Amoruso applies that quote to her own life and provides up-front and honest wisdom in which everyone, women and men, can learn. In addition, snippets called “Portrait of a #GIRLBOSS” are included throughout the book. Refinery 29’s editor-in-chief Christene Barberich, blogger Alexi Wasser of “I’m Boy Crazy,” Nasty Gal’s own buying director Christina Ferrucci, and senior stylist Ashley Glorioso among others give tips from their own successes that tie into Amoruso’s overall theme of triumph through honest passion, hard work, and belief in yourself. For someone who was once classified as a “dumpster-diver,” Amoruso certainly seems to have it all figured out, not only in business, but in life as well. There’s a reason acclaimed publications such as the New York Times, Forbes, and Elle are raving about Amoruso’s #GIRLBOSS: it’s simply amazing. Spare yourself the regret and get your copy ASAP.

Culinary, The Issue

Isa Souza’s Summer Recipes

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Salmon and Cucumber Appetizer Ingredients 1 Cucumber 1/3 cup of Cream Cheese 1 tb spoon of Dijon mustard Smoked Salmon Dill Cut the cucumber into thin slices. Mix the cream cheese with the Dijon mustard. On top of each slice of cucumber, place a thin slice of smoked salmon followed by a small amount of the cream cheese paste. Decorate it with some dill on top.   Cocktail Dessert Ingredients Mango Sorbet Sparkling Wine Dark Chocolate zest Cinnamon Sticks Serve one scoop of the Mango Sorbet into each glass, followed by the sparkling wine. Decorate it with some dark chocolate zest and a cinnamon stick.       Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

Fashion, MSM Online, Shows & Events

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Turns Up The Heat In Sexy Miami

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By Katie Jackson/Photography by Imani Ogden On Monday, the Indah swimwear models walked the last runway at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh Hotel as the 10th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim came to a close.  Guests such as bloggers, editors, buyers, and fashionistas from across the globe were wowed by the MBFWS 2015 impressive lineup—including Beach Bunny featuring the Blonds’ over-the-top glamour, Mara Hoffman’s signature bright and bold prints, complete with palm frond hair ties, Minimale Animale’s racy-chic swimwear and edgy motorcycle helmets, and L*Space’s “Sirens of the Sea” gracing a water runway. It was simply fabulous. Thursday, as promised, the annual MBFWS kick-off party brought us an honorary showcase of designers that have participated over the years. We fell in love with the stylish palm prints of Suboo and Carmen Marc Valvo, and of course, MSM’s July/August cover designer Red Carter’s Art Deco-inspired black and white piece made us swoon. The shows began the next day, as Poko Pano’s Paola Robba debuted her 2015 collection in the Raleigh Pool—yes, in the actual pool. The rest of this year’s MBFWS certainly did not disappoint, as each show produced a resounding “ohh and awe,” from the guests as each model strutted past. (MSM’s July/August cover model Jessica Bleier included.) You can expect a full feature article on MBFWS 2015 in the September/October issue of MSM, including our interviews with designer Monica Wise of L*Space, Pooja of 6 Shore Road, as well as the directors of artistry from both Stila and Vincent Longo. You won’t want to miss these exciting exclusives.

Beauty, Skin Care, The Issue

365 Days of Summer

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By Monica Guessous Summertime, the season of sun kissed skin, golden hair, icy drinks and dinner on the boardwalk. Wonderful memories are created during the hot summer months. We become one with nature, and try to enjoy everything the summer has to offer. Miami, of all places, should be the definition of summer. We are blessed with 365 days of sunshine, along with beautiful beaches, delicious food and wonderful people. However, having the sun on our side all year around, leaves us vulnerable to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. These rays are the cause of premature aging of the skin, dark spots, deep wrinkles and even skin cancer can happen over time. So how do we care for and protect our skin from our dear friend and skin’s enemy the Miami sun? Understanding the effect of the UVA and UVB rays on our skin, will help us understand and protect it from further damage, it’s never too late to start. UVA rays, enter the skins deepest layer called Dermis, they are the causes of premature aging of the skin. UVB rays cause skin cancer, sun allergies and sunburn, because they penetrate the upper layer of the skin (epidermis). Protecting our skin is a must, and sunscreen is our skin’s best friend. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. Cosmetics companies are constantly searching for new ways to improve their formula. One company in particular is challenging the traditional idea of sunscreen, by creating a drinkable sunscreen. Impressive! But does it work? Harmonized h2o UV Neutralizer, is the world’s first drinkable sunscreen. The company claims, drinking one teaspoon of Harmonized H2O UV neutralizer will give wearers a factor 30 protection. They go on by explaining, that their product works by molecules vibrating on skin, canceling UVA and UVB rays. Their product comes in two varieties, ‘tanning’ and ‘nontanning’.Theystate,thatharmonizedh2O UV Neutralizer tanning allows users to achieve a tan while being protected from harmful sun rays. We were very impressed with their claim and even more impressed, with the great reviews of their products on the web. The days of carrying a sunscreen bottle in our beach bag, might just be over. With the peace of mind of having our skin protected, we are left with much more to worry about. Like, having fun! Photography by Allana Wesley White Photography Makeup by Colleen Stone, Ford Artists Model: Emily Vainstein Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

Editor's Picks, The Issue

Summer Glow: Beauty Editor’s Picks

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BOSCIA TSUBAKI BEAUTY OIL. This oil provides some serious hydration and protection against radicals thanks to an anti-aging botanical blend. It leaves your skin so soft.       DIOR SKIN FOREVER COMPACT POWDER. This foundation powder provides sun protection and a beautiful flawless finish, not heavy on the skin, it lasts all day, it’s a must have.     LANCOME HYPNOSE DRAMA. Mascara perfect for that false eyelash look, gives great volume and doesn’t flake.         GIVENCHY TEINT COUTURE LONG WEARING FOUNDATION with SPF 20 This is a light weight medium coverage foundation, that gives you a beautiful dewy finish, perfect for that summer healthy skin look, lasts all day and smells amazing, definitely a staple in our makeup bag. For those stubborn under eye circles , we absolutely love IT COSMETICS FULL COVERAGE CONCEALER. It’s full coverage with a dewy finish which lasts through humidity and is good for your skin, perfect for those of you who are to lazy to remove their make up before bed – you know who you are.     NAPOLEON PERDIS THE ONE CONCEALER. Is a peachy under tone corrector / concealer, great for those stubborn under eye circles, comes in only one shade, great for all skin.         LIP FUSION INFATUATION LIPGLOSS . Feels amazing on the lips, especially with these 3 great shades, perfect for any skin tone. Crush, Angelic and Kiss.       Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.  

Fashion, MSM Online, Shows & Events, Swimwear

10th Anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

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By Katie Jackson/Photo by Imani Ogden (Last years MBFWS 2014 Agua Bendita Collection.) July has notoriously been the hottest time in South Florida. No—not because of the scorching 90-degree weather—but because it is the time when bikini-clad models grace the runway in the hottest designs in swimwear for the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.  This year, things are about to heat up even more as the MBFWS 10th Anniversary kicks-off at The Raleigh Hotel this Thursday. This time, we not only get to celebrate a week of spectacularly fashionable swimwear, but a decade of incredibly talented designers and the show that brought it all to life. On July 17, the annual MBFWS kick-off party will give a special honorary presentation to the designers that have taken part over the years (including MSM’s July/August cover designer Red Carter—who participated in the very first MBFWS.) The lineup for the rest of the week will surely not disappoint the 10,000 plus expected guests—with designers such as Mara Hoffman, Mikoh, L*Space, Aquarella, Luli Fama, Caitlin-Kelly, Rip Curl, Poko Pano, Beach Bunny featuring The Blonds, Caffé Swimwear, Suboo, and so many more. And, of course, the stylish late night after-parties and glamorous poolside celebrations will be in full swing. MBFWS will come to a close on July 21, leaving us waiting for the hottest runway show to return next year.  Until then, MSM will be there to give you the exclusive on every last glamorous detail.

MSM Tech Roundup, The Issue

Cool Tech Gadgets

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Ready to spend some of your hard earned cash on cool gadgets and tech but looking for something unique?  In the ongoing quest for the coolest tech, we sifted through the best gear out there and narrowed it down to our top picks.  Enjoy! By Eric Nathal Voice Control Amazon is heating up the streaming box market with their new Fire TV.  Similar to Apple TV and Roku – the device streams movies, TV shows, and music from various providers like Pandora, Netflix and Hulu.  Several ingenious features set it apart from the competition; it uses voice commands to search for content, allows you to play video games and for the first time you can watch Showtime on a streaming device.  Amazon Fire TV is extremely easy to use, set up takes less than 3 minutes and at $99 it’s a bargain; amazon.com  Rugged Hi-Fi Touted as the world’s first true indoor-outdoor rugged Hi-Fi speaker, the BRAVEN BRV-X truly delivers.  This is the sort of speaker you can confidently bring the beach, camping or even kayaking. It’s IPX5 water-resistant rated and with its rugged design it can withstand drops, bumps, rain and anything else you can think of. One of the really cool features is BRAVEN’s TrueWireless™ technology; it allows for easy wireless pairing with a second BRV-X for a true left and right stereo sound using two BRV-X speakers.The BRV-X allows for over 12 hours of continuous HD sound on a full charge, has a built-in speakerphone for calls and can charge USB devices such as smartphones, cameras andtablets; $199.99; braven.com Game Changer Looking to improve your game? Zepp Labs 3D Multi-Sport Motion Sensor has you covered.  The sensor easily attaches to any baseball bat, tennis racket or golf gloveand allows you to review and replay your swing in 360º. It captures 1,000 data points per second and transfers all of this data to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.  Want to see how you fare against the big leagues?  You can compare swings to pros and even share your swing data with others; $149.99; zepp.com  Remote Viewing Ever been away from your home or office and wish you could peek in and see what’s going on? Stem Innovation’s new IZON 2.0 Remote Room Monitor is a simple and inexpensive solution.  Setup is extremely easy – within minutes you can create a free, private Stem account that provides secure access to streaming video from IZON. The IZON App supports real-time video on local networks to let you see what’s happening, while it’s happening. You can even set up push notifications that will send alerts you to your mobile device when there is motion or noise; $129.95; steminnovation.com Vintage Tech For decades, Marshall has been world-renowned for their guitar amps but after reviewing the Stanmore, it’s clear that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the crowded Bluetooth speaker space.  Marshall Headphones, the consumer branch of Marshall’s audio division, rolled out the Stanmore, a wireless speaker that delivers crisp room-filling sound in a very unique package. The Stanmore has the look and feel of a legendary Marshall guitar amplifier – complete with vintage-looking fret, gold details, iconic gold piping and script logo; You can connect to your smart device wirelessly via Bluetooth, use the RCA input to plug in your vinyl player or simply connect the coil cord that’s included to your phone using the 3.5mm auxiliary input; $400; marshallheadphones.com Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

Tech

10 Tips to Becoming a More Mindful Smart Phone User

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By Jacqueline Whitmore Last night while I was having dinner at a nice restaurant with my husband, I couldn’t help but notice the young, attractive couple sitting at the table next to us. They were clearly having a romantic dinner —with their smart phones.  The woman was checking her Facebook page and the man was texting someone. This went on periodically throughout the evening. It’s not surprising that 86% of singles polled by the online dating site Zoosk said the worst cell-phone related behavior during a date is “constantly glancing at a cell phone.” Technology is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, talking, texting, and tweeting keeps us informed and entertained. On the other hand, our smart phones keeps us disengaged from friends, co-workers and family members. The best way to avoid alienating or offending others is to think before you act.  July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, an event I founded in 2002, with the intent of making cell phone users more respectful of their surroundings. Here are 10 tips to observe while you’re out on a date or having dinner with friends or family:  1.) Put people first, technology second. When you’re on a date, especially a first date, the person you are with should always take precedence over social media as well as calls you want to make or receive. 2) Keep it out of sight. Remember not to place your phone on the table while you’re having dinner. This signals that a potential caller is more important than the person you’re with. 3) Silence your phone. Keep your phone on silent mode in your pocket or in your handbag. Keep it on your lap, underneath your napkin, if you’re waiting for a very important call. 4) Excuse yourself. If you have to take an important call, alert your dining companion ahead of time. Excuse yourself from the table and find a quiet place to carry on your conversation. 5) Avoid “cell yell.” If you do take the call at the dinner table, keep it as brief as possible. Use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your phone. 6) Avoid ridiculous and loud ringtones: If you forget to put your phone on silent and it happens to ring or ping, don’t ignore it. Apologize and silence it immediately. 7) Keep it private. Avoid discussing private matters or confidential information in public places, especially a public restroom. 8) Use discretion. It’s permissible to pull out your phone on a date on three occasions: to take a picture with your date, to show your date pictures of a family baby or pet, and to find the answer to a perplexing trivia question that comes up in conversation. If on a date with multiple couples, show the photo to everybody at the table so no one feels excluded. 9) Ask permission. If you must take out your smartphone while on a date, always ask permission first. Something like, “Do you mind if I take out my phone to…?”  If taking photos with your date, always ask for permission before posting them to Facebook, Flickr, Twitter or Instagram to respect his or her privacy. 10) Take a break. Challenge yourself to leave your smart phone at home or in your car while you’re out on a date. Unless you’re a doctor on call, most of us can live without our phones and social media updates for a couple of hours. Jacqueline Whitmore has established herself as a prominent presence in the etiquette industry and is a frequent guest on television and radio talk shows. In addition to being the author of Poised for Success: Mastering the Four Qualities That Distinguish Outstanding Professionals (St. Martin’s Press, 2011), Jacqueline is the Founder of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month in July. You can learn more about Jacqueline by visiting her website. Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

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