The American Red Cross presents the Victoria Lopez Castro Spring 2011 Fashion Show

There are plenty of fashionable events taking place in South Florida at this time of the year but this one was quite exciting for me! On Friday, February 25th, I attended the Victoria Lopez Castro [pictured on the right] Spring/ Summer 2011 Fashion Show at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale. This New York-style Runway Show was presented by the American Red Cross and it attracted over 400 high-profile individuals who raised more than $50,000 to support the life-saving programs offered locally by the American Red Cross. Lopez Castro is a world-class Hispanic fashion designer who has dressed the likes of celebrities such as Gloria Estefan and Vanna White [to name a few]. Lopez Castro recently returned from showing her collection at this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York so everyone in the audience actually got a special sneak peek of her Fall 2011 designs during the American Red Cross Show. I must say that I was definitely loving the high-end feel of this collection. For more information on this Cuban American designer's Miami boutique, make sure to visit her website or swing by 2947 Coral Way. You can also find her designs at select Saks stores.

Above Left: The Victoria Lopez Castro fashion show was emceed by CBS4's Emmy-nominated reporter, Marybel Rodriguez. Marybel is so sweet so tune in to CBS4 News to watch her in action!


The Victoria Lopez Castro collection was so elegant and classy. I loved the simplicity of her designs. Toward the end of the show, everyone enjoyed seeing her pop of colors which you can see on the two looks pictured above.

This was a fabulous event which helped raise money for a great cause. The American Red Cross in South Florida offers health and safety programs, and international, disaster relief and armed forces emergency services to the residents of Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. For more information or to make your own donation, visit their website. Help make a difference and do it with style!

Meet Miami's Hippest Designer: Jimmy Vega

If you're gearing up for Miami's HOT summer and you find yourself shopping around for cool clothes (literally), then check out the latest styles by local designer Jimmy Vega. Vega began his career as a passionate artist who admired everything about Miami including its beautiful beaches and rich diversity. After combining his love of art and fashion, Vega developed his own t-shirt brand called Jimi Vee. For my fashionistas who are looking for the perfect summer dress, Vega recently released his One Step at a Time tank dress which is available on his website. Vega's philosophy: "Why make art to decorate a home when you can create art that is wearable and simple just like Miami's laid back lifestyle!"

The One Step at a Time cotton dress is made with fabric from American Apparel and it can be worn over a pair of skinny jeans or used as a beach cover up. On Jimi Vee's website, you'll also find a "Hope for Haiti Tee." In an effort to help our neighbors in need, Vega designed a powerful message of hope on these v-neck tees and he also agreed to donate 100% of the proceeds to the American Red Cross' Haiti relief campaign.

Where can you find Jimi Vee in Miami? The brand is carried by several boutiques in town including The Dressing Room, The Closet Boutique, Lady Lux Boutique, MINA and M-M Couture. For a complete list of boutiques or to shop online, visit www.JimiVee.com. Miami is getting hotter by the minute and so are Vega's tees!

Join the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run

Find a running buddy and register for one of the country's top ten largest road races: Miami's Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run. Last year, more than 22,000 individuals from over 730 South Florida companies participated in the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series. You don't have to be a gym buff to join the fun. At the end of the day, the run aims to provide camaraderie while promoting healthier lifestyles. Plus, this year's event will donate all funds to the American Red Cross, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other local charities. Be proactive and encourage your company to participate in the run this year! Unemployed? Register as an individual. The run will start at 6:45 p.m. at Bayfront Park on Thursday, April 29th. Prepare to run for 3.1 miles and across the Port of Miami bridge. Most walkers finish in less than one hour so it's not as long as you may imagine. For more information or to request a registration packet, visit http://www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com/. Your commitment to this run can ensure that the American Red Cross will continue to respond to our neighbors in need.

A Fashionable Investment to help Haiti

It’s never too late to donate to Haiti while adding a fabulous shirt to your wardrobe. Make a charitable donation to the people of Haiti by purchasing your very own Saks Fifth Avenue "Fashion for Haiti" t-shirt. The shirt was designed by Peter Arnell and it features a block design with the words, “To Haiti With Love” along with a map of the country. A percentage of all profits will go toward the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, an organization raising money for the immediate relief and long-term recovery process of Haiti. Since each shirt costs $25, Saks will be making their own contribution to the American Red Cross. The sale begins tomorrow, February 23rd, when both men’s and women’s styles hit South Florida stores (available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 7687 N. Kendall Dr., Miami, 305.662.8655 and 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305.865.1100). To purchase your shirt online, visit http://bit.ly/dASuYq.