FIDM Honors the Designers of Juicy Couture!

On Wednesday, November 12th, I had the opportunity to attend a reception on the park at my alumni, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. The reception was in honor of the design team, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor of Juicy Couture, and to unveil the Juicy Couture Dedication Wall.

This was a very exciting and inspirational evening for myself, not just because I had the opportunity to mix & mingle with the fashion elite; but because 1/2 of the Juicy Couture design team, Pamela Skaist-Levy attended FIDM the same years that I attended. Although she was a design major, and I a merchandising/marketing major; we still have something major in common...the love of fashion.

The evenings festivities took place under a tent in the FIDM park. Decorated with the Juicy Couture signature colors of pink & white, guest feasted on a variety of delicious cuisine, while waiting for the guests of honors to make their appearance. While feeling my way through the setting, I had the chance to introduce myself to the FIDM President, Tonian Hohberg and a host of other prestigious staff and faculty. Also, on staff with FIDM, as a instructor, is Nick Verreos (Nikolaki Fashion Owner/Designer) of Project Runway fame in 2005.

When the Juicy Girls (as they are more affectionately known) arrived, the mood in the tent immediately launched into full swing. I watched as members of the media vied for their positions to capture their best shots. The design team thanked the guest for attending. Pamela thanked her husband, CSI and Las Vegas, Producer, Jefery Levy (whom was in attendance) for being a great support. The ladies were then presented with a Proclamation by Council Woman, Jan Perry before we were all escorted upstairs for the unveiling of the Dedication Wall.

I'm amazed by the Juicy Couture story: Pamela and Gela met through mutual friends in 1988. With $200, the ladies began to create and design what would become the beginning of a fashion empire. By 1997, Juicy Couture was launched and has now grown into a major lifestyle brand with products for women, children, men perfume and accessories. Juicy Couture is best known for its somewhat risque pink, terrycloth sweatsuit that had "Juicy" written across the butt. Now, Juicy has a vast variety of merchandise to fit the lifestyles of a host of fashion savvy men, women and children.

First Family Style!

I'm loving the style of our new First Family, the Obamas!!!!
The coordination of colors is absolutely first rate and so on point with the style for Fall 2008.

Every time the family is together, their wardrobe selections pull the entire family together in complete unison. At the Democratic National Convention, I loved the play on the color fuchsia. First Lady, Michelle wore a black sheath dress with floral details. President Obama wore a black suit with a fuchsia and white striped tie. Malia wore a white dress with fuchsia details; and Sasha tied the look together with an adorable fuchsia bubble-hem dress.

The newest photo surfacing of the First Family pictures the entire group in an array of rich jewel tones. They look so refreshing.! I'm looking forward to the coming years; and viewing the styles of the entire Obama Family!

Something Smells Citrusy!

Mmmmm, the smell as you drive into the parking lot of Corona's Dos Lagos is something that will send your appetite into overdrive. The culprit to the scentsation...the Citrus City Grille.

One Saturday afternoon, my husband and I had a day all to ourselves (Papa had the boys), so, we decided to head to my "happy place" to enjoy an afternoon of relaxing and enjoying a good meal. The scent of citrus and herbs permeated the air, and like true epicures, my husband and I allowed our imagination of taste to lead the way.

As we entered the Citrus City Grille, we were amazed by the modern decor; and yet, the Grille also had a very zen-like appeal. The restaurant, with its obvious upscale elements, also lead one to feel at ease and relaxed. As the hostess lead us through the area, and out onto the patio; we noticed many wonderful attributes about the eatery. There was an amazingly clean, open-view kitchen, which we were later told, by the manager, Willyum Gald, that this was created to help customers decide what to order, by first viewing the impressive plating of the entrees. We also strolled by the wine cellar which held over 150 selections.

Are dining area of choice was the patio area that was centered around a grass lawn (there was also a mini putting green). The most wonderful part about this area was the view, which boast the two lakes by which Dos Lagos receives its name. Serene, lovely...tranquil. Out on the grass where several plush sofas and chairs for persons to sip wine and sit quietly while enjoying the view and listen to cool jazz.

Our lunch was delicious and the service was impeccable. We were enjoying ourselves so much that we ended up just sitting and enjoying the scenery...uninterrupted for several hours. Hey, what's the rush...NO KIDS!

Oh yes, I must mention this wonderful feature: Just outside the bathroom was an area just for washing your hands. That's right, rather than going into the restrooms, the Grille created an area specifically for hand-washing. By the way, I took a peak into the potties...they were equally beautiful.

The Citrus City Grille will give you an excellent dining experience. Enjoy!