I met the ever-lovable Amanda Landesberg at my first staff meeting with This Week in Sarasota earlier this year. Apart from her good looks and charming personality, I found myself observing the piece of jewelry adorning her neck. After the meeting, I asked Amanda about her intricate necklace, and she told me she did it herself. I thought … yeah, right!  I was blown away by her meticulous attention to detail, her color theory and most importantly her indescribable taste. Soon after that meeting, I got to see many more [...]

As the social calendar starts rolling along, I get very excited about some of the key events of the season. It’s true that Sarasota likes to party, and we do it all year long. As soon as fall hits, the first invitations and committee meetings start to fill the schedules of everyone in town. One of the best-attended events is Key to the Cure, held this year on Oct. 20 and hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue to benefit the Women’s Cancer Care Program within the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. Along with [...]

Many national and international artists were in Sarasota to perform for thousands of anxious attendees who, just like me, were dying to experience the acclaimed Ringling International Arts Festival, celebrated from Oct. 10 to 13. This partnership between The Ringling Museum of Art and the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City has resulted in a very well-curated and exquisite showcase of talent.  India was well represented this year through the dance presentation of “Shiva Ganga” by Shantala Shivalingappa. The performance took its roots from the customs and religious heritage of Shantala’s [...]

It’s been a couple months since my last confession. As many times before, I did not repent and actually went ahead and compiled all the summer sins. One or two new additions to the grooming kit had to be added. While pondering in that little group of girls that, just like me, are obsessed with products, I couldn’t help but think of the junkiest of them all. It’s hard to pick one gal, since all of them are masters at the craft of conjuring up the “fountain of youth.” However, [...]

Once a month, an acquaintance and client from work comes along and catches up with me. Sometimes we talk about her dog; other times we talk about her upcoming wedding, of which I know every detail except for the nuptial night (I have class!) and what the invite looks like, since I have not been invited. Don’t gasp, I am only an acquaintance! As this person leaves my workplace I always hear, “Don’t work too hard, Eduardo … ” Every single time I hear those four words it makes me cringe. [...]

How can you walk on First Street without ever noticing the beautiful window displays at Juno & Jove?  Not only are they extremely creative, but they also display a fresh take on style. Olivia Bono is the owner of this eco-friendly boutique, which launched in 2006 and has since acquired amazing reviews and a local and international fan base. I love the store’s ethnic pieces and bold accessories; the hard-to-find designers bring luxury without harming Mother Earth. I caught up with Olivia this week and asked a few questions as she [...]