For the opening of her fun fashion outpost just a few weeks ago at the London Square in Kendall, Christiane Matarangas did what she claims to do best: Entertain.
FASHION SKETCHBOOK
Isn't it amazing how so many aging stars look alike these days, with those apple cheeks, defined noses, worry-free brows and angular chins?
The Miami Herald takes a look at a different day spa every week. Send nominations to: spa@MiamiHerald.com. Intima Spa 1434 Collins Ave., No. 4, Miami Beach
Project Embroidery Think you've got the stuff to be a fashion designer? After talent, the next thing you need is a sewing machine. Brother International, a licensee of Project Runway, has two new sewing machines that are compact, lightweight and can also embroider.
Unlike fashion, cosmetics don't lend themselves to unforgiving trends. Silver eye shadow is hardly de rigueur these days, the way ombre purses are.
FASHION SPOTLIGHT
''Our client is open-minded and urban,'' says 29-year-old Danny Sanchez, owner of Kore boutique on Miami's Biscayne Corridor. ''You won't find her partying every week at South Beach clubs, but you'll probably see her hanging out in the Design District,'' he adds while thumbing through clothing racks and chatting with store manager Natallye Alzerreca, 21, about sales and inventory.
The Miami Herald takes a look at a different day spa every week. Send nominations to spa@MiamiHerald.com. ESPA Acqualina 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach
The Miami Herald has composed a panel of readers to try products for face, body and hair. Here are their opinions: Product: Elgydium Whitening Toothpaste
Economy: American Living Shell Beach Towel, $13.99 (JCPenney stores; for locations, www.jcpenney.com) Does your beach towel remind you of your childhood years? Bathing suits aren't the only fashion statement at the beach, so if your towel could use an upgrade, this oversize terry cloth one in deep orange with gold nautical prints will brighten up your day on the sand.
NATASHA KHANZADA, 32, is an assistant stylist at Oribe hair salon. She grew up in San Jose, Calif., and now resides in Miami Beach.
We could all use ideas for saving a little money: Think twice when you see the warning ''Dry Clean Only.'' Silk and linen clothing routinely sent to the dry cleaner can be hand-washed or cleaned in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of a dryer to avoid heat damage and reduce ironing time.
Economy: Wet n Wild i-Shimmer Retractable Eye Pencil, $1.79 (Walgreens locations or drugstore.com) When it comes to makeup, the natural, barely there look is fine during the day, but at night, it's all about glam and shine. This glittery eye pencil glides on smoothly and offers a hint of sparkle. It comes in two shades -- black and deep blue -- perfect for the dark and mysterious smoky look or the bright and bold, colorful look.
Elemis Spa Village of Merrick Park 333 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables 305-774-7171 Lowdown: It's hard to spot Elemis Spa, tucked into a corner in Village of Merrick Park. But this 7,000-square-foot flagship spa is worth ferreting out.
No ordinary polo Visionaire, the limited-edition art magazine that throws one of the most coveted Art Basel parties in town, isn't going mass market just yet.
NEW COLLECTIONS
What is it about celebrities that makes them think they can be fashion designers? You never see Vera Wang, say, looking to open for Coldplay.
ONLINE
Part of a continuing trend of making our personal lives accessible to the world is the social network MyClosetMyLife.com. You can store images of your clothes by type, color, designer, occasion or season with a ruthless efficiency that you can use to peruse your wardrobe from any laptop or high-tech mobile phone. So when the pressing question of will this shirt go with my blue skirt, you can get those answers immediately. And no more waiting until you get home to plan that nighttime outfit. You can...
She's donned rubber bangles, conical bustiers, shiny leotards -- and now, Chanel suits. Ever an icon, Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone turns 50 on Saturday.
Every Saturday, Maite Hernandez gets a French manicure and her long hair styled. Twice a month, it's time for a pedicure. And just like clockwork, every third week Hernandez heads to Forever Tan in Miami to replenish her false eyelashes.
FASHION SKETCHBOOK
Do you know where I can find fashion-friendly waist bags? Since I gave up using shoulder/handbags my back problem has improved tremendously. Also having my hands free when shopping is a great convenience.
Economy: High-waisted Ruched Pencil Skirt, $22.99 (Charlotte Russe at the Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St., Doral. 305-599-3000) Do you feel as if the central part of your body is competing with your legs in length? No worries -- long-torsoed women have the perfect body shape for the still-in-style high-waisted skirt. This pencil skirt keeps the elegant, '40s-inspired look current with a ruched waistband, hook-and-eye front closures and a six-inch back slit.
