bay magazine november 2014

A MAGAZINE OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

NOVEMBER 2014

SENSATIONAL SEASON

10 bay NOVEMBER 2014

November84THRILL OF THE HUNTThe first weekend of each month, shoppers line up outside Brocante Market to see what finds lie inside.

46TREASURES FOR UNDER THE TREESarasota’s new Mall at University Town Center offers higher-end options for holiday shoppers.

Photograph by Dirk Shadd

WELCOME TO THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

32DRAWN TO THE LIGHTThe first time Randi Solin saw an artist working with glass, she knew that would become her life’s work.

68TO ALL A GOOD NIGHTGlimpse inside some of the Tampa Bay area’s newest and most up-to-date hotel accommodations.

62FAMILY TRADITIONSChristmas is Realtor Toni Everett’s favorite holiday, and her family celebrations are on a grand scale.

76SETTING THE TABLEA savvy St. Petersburg hostess sets elegant holiday tables with a little creativity and by starting early.

on the coverAll about red: Rag & Bone, Royal Red Gracie dress, $1,095, and Judith Leiber Couture, crystal bow clutch, $5,995 (Neiman Marcus). Page 50.

Cover photograph by John Pendygraft

ROOFTOP LOUNGE

Down St. PeterSburg'S onLY rooftoP Lounge with breathtaking viewS of tamPa baY.

PLaY anD StaY-make Your next getawaY hiStoric!Downtown St. Petersburg's newest and most historic luxury escape!

THE BIRCHWOOD 340 Beach Drive NE - St. Petersburg, FL 33701 www.TheBirchwood.com • 727-896-1080

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EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTORMary Jane Park Suzette [email protected] [email protected]

PHOTO EDITOR Patty Yablonski

COPY EDITOR Cathy Keim

CONTRIBUTORS James Borchuck, James Branaman, Bob Croslin, Cherie Diez, Demetrius Freeman, Monica Herndon, Scott Keeler, John Pendygraft, Amy Scherzer, Susan Thurston

Bay is published six times a year by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Copyright 2014. Vol. 8, No. 2.

THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

CHAIRMAN AND CEO Paul C. Tash

EDITOR AND VICE PRESIDENT Neil Brown

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING Bruce Faulmann

ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Shurman

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER Michelle Mitchell

TAMPA ADVERTISING MANAGER Dawn Philips

National / Major Retail Advertising Manager Kelly Spamer

St. Petersburg Retail Advertising Manager Andi Gordon

Clearwater Retail Advertising Manager Jennifer Bonin

Brandon Advertising Sales Manager Tony Del Castillo

Classified Real Estate Manager Suzanne Delaney

Pasco Retail Manager Luby Sidoff

Automotive Advertising Manager Larry West

MARKETING MANAGER Christopher Galbraith

FULFILLMENT MANAGER Gerald Gifford

IMAGING AND PRODUCTION Gary Zolg, Brian J. Baracani Jr., Robert Padgett, Orville Creary, Greg Kennicutt, Janet L. Rhodes

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jim Thompson

REGIONAL HOME DELIVERY MANAGERS Diann Bates, David Maxam

To view the magazine online, visit www.tampabay.com/bayTo order photo reprints, visit www.tampabay.com/photosalesTo advertise in Bay magazine: (727) 893-8535

A MAGAZINE OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES


TAKE TIME TO TAKE STOCK

Have comments, questions or story ideas? Let us know. Contact Mary Jane Park at (727) 893-8267 or [email protected].

Every year, as Daylight Saving Time ends, shadows lengthen and night falls earlier, I feel as if we are called upon to take a pause. Soon enough, the holidays will be here, and with them the heightened activity of celebrations large and small.

In these few weeks before Thanksgiving, however, we have the opportunity to breathe a little more deeply. Sci-ence shows us that the practice of reflecting on the things in our lives that we appreciate brings us overall better health and more thoughtful behavior toward others. Those things are good to remember as we head into the holiday frenzy, with fashion, home decor and decorating ideas.

In Sarasota, the new Mall at University Town Center is open. In Tampa, you may wish to curl up with a collect-ible book inside the Oxford Exchange’s new Rizzoli Studio space or browse the inventory at Tate & Tilly, a collection of boutiques in Carrollwood. In St. Petersburg, the monthly Brocante Market has a legion of followers.

And as we count our reasons to be grateful, we are thank-ful for all of you.

— Mary Jane Park

from the editor

NOVEMBER 2014 bay 21

Christian Louboutin Technicatina pump ($1,075); Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Eau De Toilette, 100 ml, from Dior ($98); Kevyn Aucoin Eyeshadow Duo 205 ($42); and matte lip color in Persistence ($33). All from Neiman Marcus.

Christian Grey might well approve of the fashion world’s focus on gray as the predominant neu-tral for 2015. Hot as molten silver, elegant as a whisper of smoky silk, those 50 shades are anything but safe. Pair with bold magenta or bashful pink, spritz on some fragrance and you’re ready for nearly any adventure.

SLIP INTO GRAY


Jimmy Choo Addison d’Orsay pump ($875), Balmain Ambre Eau de Parfum, 75ml ($110) and Kevyn Aucoin Essential Eyeshadow Palette #2 ($58).

Photographs by John Pendygraft


AROUND THE WORLD

Photograph by John Pendygraft

wear it

Chad Mize of St. Petersburg’s Bluelucy fame was in Los Angeles four years ago when he saw a shirt that read: “Paris/London/Tokyo/Torrance.”He brought the idea back home, subbed “St Pete” for “Torrance,” and the Sunshine City’s “World Tour” T-shirt took flight.Mize markets the line through Bluelucy Gallery & Studio (653 Central Ave.), the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort (501 Fifth Ave. NE ) and Local Long-

boards (659 Central Ave.).And his talents range well beyond T-shirts. Bluelucy, born in 1994, offers creative direction, websites, branding, animation and curated art installations. The

space opened in 2010 and expanded with group art shows.“We have had over 28 exhibits at our current location,” Mize said. “In June of 2014, we were approached by Tribeca Salon to do a pop-up gallery adjacent to

their space (in Tampa’s Ybor City). We are dividing that space with Savoir-Faire Labs, who also use it as a design work space.”What’s next?“Cats & Dogs,” featuring the work of 56 artists, opens Nov. 15 in St. Petersburg. Friends of Strays, a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue organization, will receive

15 percent of the sales.— Suzette Moyer


The Oxford Exchange in Tampa features a Rizzoli Studio in its bookstore. More than half of the space now is devoted to volumes from the prestigious publishing house, which produces high-quality, lavishly illustrated editions with an array of themes.

Photographs by James Borchuck

read it

BOOK S THAT SPEAK VOLUMESBY MARY JANE PARK

Along with the food and drink, the sumptuous decor and the elegant provisions for house and home, Tampa’s Oxford Exchange has an intimate bookstore known for its carefully selected inventory.

The shop now encompasses a Rizzoli Studio, a branded section that features handsome coffee-table volumes that often focus on fashion, art, architecture and interior design.

Style icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, C.Z. Guest, Dior and Valentino are portrayed in some of the edi-tions, which frequently appeal to collectors.

“We were trying to find a way to keep the feel of a tradi-


Personalities, fashion and design are among the subjects of Rizzoli’s lavish publications. Others feature travel, cuisine, gardening and architecture.

tional bookstore and give it a spin,” bookstore manager Tracy Bailey said, “finding ways to integrate the bookstore into the rest of the building.”

Some traditional reading books and children’s books have moved into the OE Shop.“There will be a blend in both sides now,” Bailey said. “We’re going to start integrating books throughout.”Bailey said publishing representatives approached the Oxford Exchange about incorporating Rizzoli Studio into its retail

mixture.“We’re trying to work with key retailers who have a strong sense of their customers, as we do,” Rizzoli associate director of

publicity Jessica Napp said. “(Oxford Exchange is) such a great concept as well. We’re always brainstorming great partners.”The publishing house introduced the Studio idea in December 2011. Napp said it has similar boutique-type presences in

Books & Books stores in Bal Harbour, Coral Gables and Miami Beach, and in several Palm Beach retailers.“They are separate spaces, a visually branded space within a section of the store.”And many patrons, even those who devour bestsellers on iPads, Kindles and Nooks, seem to be drawn to the tactile appeal

of the hard-bound editions.Recent releases include America’s Great Hiking Trails, Christmastime in New York City, Horst and How to Eataly, among

the Rizzoli titles almost certain to appeal during the holiday gift-giving season ahead.


Sedona, by Randi Solin


BY MARY JANE PARK

As a youngster, Randi Solin had every intention of mak-ing a difference in the world.

“I thought I was going to become a senator,” she said. The determined teenager also enjoyed working with film. She built a darkroom in her closet.

“I loved photography,” she said. “Photography is all about light.”

Solin was 18 and touring Alfred University in upstate New York, considering a major in political science. On a nighttime visit to the art building, she watched a man cast-ing glass.

“It was liquid light,” Solin said, “just pouring into the mold. It was an epiphany.

“I thought, ‘Whatever he’s doing, that’s what I’m going to do.’ I realized after walking through the art building that I could change people’s lives in a different way.”

Solin altered course and earned a BFA degree from Alfred, with a major in glass and minor in education.

“I’ve been blowing glass for 26 years,” she said. “I picked something to do when I was 18.”

Her creations have been seen in galleries and museums throughout the United States and have been acquired by private collectors and for the permanent collections of the White House and U.S. embassies throughout the world.

On Dec. 6, Solin will be in Safety Harbor for a reception and lecture at the Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass, Etc., where her work will be shown through Jan. 17.

“The greatest thing is that your area is becoming this very vibrant area for glass,” she said, mentioning several con-temporaries who are well-known locally.

The artist established Solinglass Studio in Mount Shasta, Calif., in 1995 and relocated two years later to Brattleboro, Vt., after her son was born. It was a better place for family life, she reasoned.

Her creations often are sculptural in nature, although Solin describes herself as “primarily a glass blower. My work is a little like painting; I’m an abstract expressionist painter that works in glass.”

Randi Solin has been blowing glass for 26 years, since being captivated by the art at age 18. Her creations have been seen in galleries and museums nationwide, and are in the permanent collection of the White House. She describes herself as “an abstract expressionist painter that works in glass.” At left is one of Solin’s creations, called Miro.

glass art

DRAWN TO THE

LIGHT


A heart marks the spot in this custom throw pillow for residents and visitors alike. The nubbly front features a map of the Sunshine State, and the colors fit well with beach-house decor. $78. Zazzoo’d, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; zazzood.com; (727) 344-9633.

holiday gifts

SPREAD THE LOCAL CHEER


Re-create a special vacation to give to special guests, then keep one for yourself: Photographs of a special sunset or a local landmark fit perfectly in the “My heart belongs in St. Petersburg” picture frame by a.i. paper design, $28. Marion’s Gifts & Clothing.

— Mary Jane Park

Tropicana Field, the Vinoy Renais-sance St. Petersburg Resort, the Sunshine City skyline and even the marina are highlighted in this custom cloisonne ornament ($44) embellished in 24-karat gold. It is a creation of Kitty Keller Designs (KittyKeller.com; toll-free 1-877-597-3357), which also has collegiate and Greek offer-ings. The local version is available at Marion’s Gifts & Clothing, 1301 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 821-2345.


BY SUSAN THURSTON

holiday shopping

TREASURES FOR UNDER THE TREE

or Tampa Bay shoppers, the Mall at University Town Center that opened in mid October has many of the same stores and restaurants people already visit. • There’s a Macy’s and a Dillard’s. There’s a Brio Tuscan Grille, Capital Grille, Cheesecake Factory, Kona Grill and Seasons 52 — big-box chains with restaurants at or near Tampa’s International Plaza. • But the $315 million mall has one big thing Tampa doesn’t: Saks Fifth Avenue.

For 15 years, Saks had a store in Tampa’s WestShore Plaza. It closed in May 2013 because of weak sales, disap-pointing affluent shoppers who appreciated its luxurious offerings.F

At the time, plans were under way to open a Saks at the new Sarasota mall and to close a smaller one at nearby Westfield Southgate. Saks wanted to be in the brightest, newest mall on Florida’s West Coast, the only enclosed mall of its kind to open in the United States this year.

The new, two-story Saks includes an upscale restaurant called Sophie’s, a new concept being introduced in some Saks stores. Inspired by American fashion designer Sophie Gimbel, Sophie’s opened its first location in downtown Chicago earlier this year.

In Sarasota, the restaurant has 60 seats inside and another 25 on a terrace overlooking the fountain at the main entrance by the chain eateries.

“Our goal here is to not create an amenity for just custom-ers of Saks,’’ said Michael Kaufman, president of Fifth Dining, which operates Saks’ restaurants. “We want to create a desti-nation that happens to be in Saks.’’

Led by executive chef Dianna MacPhee, Sophie’s will be open for late breakfast, lunch and dinner and will focus on locally grown and seasonal foods. Sophie’s Chicago location was named this year’s Best Michigan Avenue Lunch Spot by

Chicago Magazine.Developed by Taubman Centers and Benderson Develop-

ment, the 880,000-square-foot mall at Interstate 75 and Uni-versity Parkway is expected to draw shoppers from Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch as well as attract tourists. It will have 100 stores and restaurants, half of which are new to the Sara-sota market.

“We feel that this market is underserved when it comes to better retail options,’’ mall general manager Octavio Ortiz said. “It’s going to solidify the area as a retail destination.’’

Only an hourlong drive for many people in the Tampa Bay

area, the mall isn’t designed to compete with International Plaza, another Taubman property, Ortiz said. Instead, it fills in a gap among Taubman’s sister centers, International Plaza, Waterside Shops in Naples and, to a lesser degree, Mall at Mil-lenia in Orlando.

Michigan-based Taubman looked to its nearby centers for inspiration for Sarasota’s mall, at 140 University Town Cen-ter Drive. Like International Plaza, it has glass elevators, sky-lights, shiny tile and comfortable seating in the concourses.

“We tried to bring in as much natural light as possible,’’ Ortiz said. “You’ll feel like you’re outside.’’

But unlike Taubman’s Tampa mall, Sarasota’s doesn’t have a Bay Street equivalent, with a clustering of restaurants and bars in an adjacent outside area. At the Mall at University Town Center, the big restaurants are grouped at the east and west entrances. Food vendors are scattered throughout the property; there is no centrally located food court.

The shopping center’s tenants include Apple, Bose, Crate & Barrel, H&M, Kate Spade, Lululemon, Pottery Barn and Wil-liams-Sonoma.

Aside from stores and restaurants, it has a health-themed children’s play area sponsored by the Lakewood Ranch Medi-cal Center with Nurse Shark and Dr. Ray characters. The Sara-sota County visitors’ center has a kiosk for directing guests to area attractions, and car dealerships have displays of the lat-est models.

For visitors from at least 50 miles away — which would include residents in parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties — the mall has partnered with nearby hotels to offer discounts and specials at mall merchants. Out-of-towners also can go to the customer service desk to pick up a Passport to Savings and receive a gift for shopping at the mall.


holiday fashion

crimsonwine

rougescarletrusset

maroonrose

cardinalclaretblush

cherryfi re

roseatepoinsettia

chilimagentainfrared

holly berryfuchsia

geraniumcarmine

burgundydahliafl amebrick

salmonruby

garnetvermilion

red

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN PENDYGRAFT STYLING BY VALERIE ROMAS / ONE2STYLEU

HERVE LEGER NATHALIE GOWN, $1,790. ALEXIS BITTAR IMPERIAL BLACK LUCITE GOLDEN FRINGE NECKLACE, $295, AND MISS HAVISHAM KINETIC GOLD RING, $125 (NEIMAN MARCUS).

ON SANTA: TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY LOOK WORN BY ROSS TARR, ST. PETERSBURG, STORYTELLER AND HOLIDAY LEGEND. (WWW.ROSSTARR.COM)

JAY GODFREY SEQUINED HALTER DRESS, $245 (NEIMAN MARCUS).

HELMUT LANG FINE MOHAIR TANK IN RED, $220 (NEIMAN MARCUS); SHELLI SEGAL SKIRT, $45, AND GOLD CUFF, $25 (REPEAT PERFORMANCE BOUTIQUE).

TADASHI SHOJI FLAME GOWN, $395, NEIMAN MARCUSCRYSTAL BALL WITH SILVER DETAIL EARRING, $15 (REPEAT PERFORMANCE).

HERVE LEGER GOLD-ACCENTED SHEATH, $1,890, AND DISC EARRINGS, $185 (NEIMAN MARCUS).

BADGLEY MISCHKA MULTI-SEQUIN DRESS, $550 (NEIMAN MARCUS).

ARMANI COLLEZIONI SATIN DRESS, $1,875, AND JIMMY CHOO FELINE BEADED T-STRAP SANDAL, $1,250 (NEIMAN MARCUS).

MONIQUE LHUILLIER LACE APPLIQUE DRESS, $448, AND MANOLO BLAHNIK BRONZE ANKLE STRAP SANDAL, $825 (NEIMAN MARCUS.)

Style assistant: Alex Blanco

Model: Amanda Font from Alexa Model & Talent Management, Tampa.


At right, a pulley system is needed to erect the towering Christmas tree at Toni Everett’s home in the Palma Ceia neighborhood of Tampa. The stately tree is adorned with a festive array of ornaments collected through the years, above left, some cherished originals, others recent replacements. A portrait of Everett hangs above the fireplace at her home, above right.

BY AMY SCHERZER

Toni Everett lights up like a Christmas tree when she talks about her favorite holiday. The “Real-

tor to the rich,” as the Tampa power broker is respectfully known, grew up doubling the annual festivities with an anni-versary mixed into the celebra-tion.

“My parents were married on Dec. 25, so they always had a big party on Christmas Day,” Ever-ett said. “Really, it started the night before, when my sister and I opened our presents, and con-tinued all the next day.”

As her parents got older, and Everett had two children of her own, the holiday gatherings moved to her home, a stately, red brick Georgian Colonial in the Palma Ceia neighborhood. She went well beyond the usual host-ing duties to create special mem-ories for her four grandchildren and assorted nieces and neph-ews.

One year she splurged on a giant Steiff elephant large enough for the kids to ride.

She commissioned Publix bak-ery elves to construct a toy sol-dier nutcracker chocolate chip cookie, nearly 6 feet tall, iced in a red and blue uniform. It was almost too pretty to eat.

Sometimes she hired Mr. and Mrs. Claus look-alikes to stop by. Another year, the Disney chip-munk characters, Chip and Dale, made an appearance.

“Then, as the kids got older, I

holiday home

FAMILY TRADITIONSON A GRAND SCALE



Just like its interior, the exterior of Toni Everett’s Palma Ceia home is adorned in holiday finery. Below, her grandchildren, twins Matthew and Isabelle Everett, left, and Bennett and Everett Lee, can’t wait to dive into a specially made, life-size toy soldier chocolate chip cookie in 2003.

would have a deejay come to play games and music in the third-floor ballroom,” Everett said. “Everybody always left with Santa bags full of goodies.”

She smiles as she describes the pulley system devised to hoist the tree upright.“All the neighborhood kids would come help get it up,” Everett said, “and then we’d all

decorate it with the ornaments I’ve collected ... toys, musical instruments, gingerbread houses.” Many are cherished originals, some recent replacements.

Dinner is always served buffet-style, and much of it is prepared by Everett herself. The menu is another tradition.

“Roast pork, black beans and yellow rice and plantains for the Latin Buenos Noches cus-tom, and turkey with all the trimmings for the kids.”

How does one of the bay area’s most successful women balance sales of multimillion-dol-lar luxury homes with holiday planning?

“Family,” she says of the business that thrives with the help of daughter Henderson Ever-ett Lee, son Anthony Everett and daughter-in-law Julie, all real estate agents at Toni Everett Co. Her sister, Patty Clark, manages the office.

“We work together, we play together, we celebrate together.” Photograph courtesy of Toni Everett

Loews Don CeSar ResortWith both eight-floor penthouses recently refreshed, the apartment-style suites offer seclusion for a remarkable number of celebrities who like to unwind along St. Pete Beach. This one, with its dramatic chandelier and accents in sea glass hues, faces east and has two bedrooms; the westward-facing quarters overlook the Gulf of Mexico and have three bedrooms. The two can be opened into a single grand space; both have private outdoor terraces. The Don also was a retreat for notables during the Jazz Age, and its interior designers have honored that history while focusing on the architecture of the imposing pink “wedding cake” of a hotel. The white-washed floor is juxtaposed with warmer wood tones reminiscent of driftwood. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach; (727) 360-1881.


Photograph by Scott Keeler

the suite life

andto all

a goodnight

f rom classic waterfront elegance to contempo-rary urban sophistication, Tampa Bay’s hospi-tality options have broadened of late.

The area’s grand dames, the Don CeSar and the Vinoy, have both historic significance and new fur-nishings and decor. Le Meridien, in the historic fed-eral courthouse in Tampa, is a landmark reborn. Stylish newcomers including the Epicurean and Zamora are setting the stage for years to come.

On this and in the next few pages, we invite you to glimpse inside some of the area’s most up-to-date accommodations.

Major events such as the 2012 Republican National Convention and this year’s International Indian Film Academy Awards and BLUE Ocean Film Festival have brought thousands of new visitors to the region. Add to those the numerous other business meetings, vaca-tions, family reunions and weddings scheduled here throughout the year, and you start to understand the extensive efforts put into entertaining our guests.

The idea is to treat them well and to provide the kind of comfort that will entice them to return.

BY MARY JANE PARK


A tiled penthouse terrace at the Don has a fire pit and outdoor seating that allow for private gatherings, discreet sunbathing and evenings under the stars. The tufted headboard in one of the bedrooms alludes to classic luxury. Colorful outdoor cushions and indoor throw pillows bring energy and brightness to the soothing, light-colored surroundings. The smaller, two-bedroom penthouse faces east, toward the Intracoastal Waterway.

Photographs by Scott Keeler


Photographs by Bob Croslin

Epicurean HotelCulinary touches abound throughout the first newly constructed hotel in the country to join Marriott International’s Autograph Collection. Note the decorative bed pillows and drink trolleys in this individual suite. The boutique lodging opened in December 2013 in the heart of Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood. It was envisioned to complement nearby Bern’s Steak House and SideBern’s (soon to reopen as Haven). The Epicurean encompasses a rooftop bar, a culinary classroom and an 80-seat restaurant, Elevage, plus spa, pool and other amenities. 1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 999-8700.



Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg ResortA temporary home to political leaders, professional athletes and performing artists, the Presidential Suite is a spacious sanctuary that offers views of Tampa Bay and the Pier, plus ample room for a conference table and an executive desk. Blue and red accents give the space a stately sensibility. 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 894-1000.


Hotel ZamoraA Mediterranean-influenced structure inspired by the architecture of the Spanish province from which it takes its name, the Zamora is the first newly constructed hotel in St. Pete Beach in many years. Balconies overlook the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The Junior King Suite has a glass privacy wall between the sitting area and the sleeping space. Castile, the on-site restaurant, offers services ranging from early-morning breakfast to late-night cocktails. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach; (727) 456-8900.

Photograph by Cherie Diez


Heart-shaped ornaments adorn a special occasion place setting and serve as take-aways for guests.

tablescapes

setting the tableA gracious table can be accomplished with the

simplest linens, flowers, candles and basic place settings.

Most of us are able to achieve those essentials, but special occasions merit additional effort, when organization may be just as important as the decor itself.

For a significant party, such as a holiday meal, savvy hosts and hostesses know to start early, making sure that everything is cleaned, pressed and polished as necessary. Sticky notes help pinpoint serving dishes that will be used for specific purposes. Tables can be set several days early.

The Christmas arrangement shown in these pages includes some items that have been in storage for a while: holiday china, snow-frosted evergreens, a festively attired reindeer and tall glass columns of varying heights. The tablecloth and napkins, charger plates, crystal and vintage silver flatware are used throughout the year.

St. Petersburg hostess Anje Bogott, who entertains family, friends and business clients for a variety of occasions, created the tablescapes for Bay. Invariably, she sends her guests home with party favors as mementos of celebratory occasions. For the Christmas tableau, she chose gold and silver heart-shaped ornaments, which the recipients can use as tree decorations now as well as for other occasions such as Valentine’s Day, an engagement party or a bridal shower.

BY MARY JANE PARKPHOTOGRAPHS BY CHERIE DIEZ

It takes just a little creativity and organization to assemble a lovely tablescape for a celebration. Colors and textures set the tone, whether elegant or rustic. Choose festive decor to fi t the occasion. As a special touch, add coordinating party favors. And it all can be done days before guests arrive.

Thanksgiving usually means an outdoor neighborhood get-together overlooking Tampa Bay. More intimate suppers served in the spacious kitchen might include autumn wreaths adorning chair backs and metal charger plates. The rustic approach incorporates a burlap table covering, ceramic Pilgrim and pumpkin figurines and dinnerware that has a turkey pattern.

thanksgiving


Pink is a color that is said to flatter everyone, and it certainly invokes cheerfulness. Bright silk peonies float in the clear hurricanes for a birthday celebration, and rosy tapers and place mats adorn a round table that is a study in black and white. For a ladies’ luncheon, the setting includes designer tumblers and everyday white plates, plus a striped tablecloth and reversible napkins. The lush fern sits inside a decorative urn.

ladies’ luncheon


the market

the thrill of the huntBY MARY JANE PARK PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHERIE DIEZ


Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Car seat springs and a wheel cover on display at Brocante Market; Eddie Townsend of Tampa admires a lamp; Pyrex bowls are stacked in a colorful display; a lively shade of green becomes a theme in a vendor’s display. Above: A vast array of interesting finds are available at St. Petersburg’s Brocante Market, which is open to the public on the first weekend of each month in a sprawling structure at 2200 Second Ave. S.


Clockwise from upper left: A colorful display catches the eye; a deteriorating Virgin Mary statue was sold and carried away to a new home in the first hour of the September Brocante Market; shoppers approach the checkout counter at the market with their treasured finds; old printing devices are a reminder of bygone years.

Just to see how our concept fits into the development of downtown St. Pete. That’s where we have focused our efforts. We just love the network of local business owners.”

CELESTA CARTER, co-owner of Brocante Market


t hat vintage Hermes scarf evokes memories of your favorite aunt, the well-traveled woman who reminded you a little of actor Catherine Deneuve.

The two-tone metal glider looks like the one that sat on your great-grandparents’ front porch.

Over there, with some other kitchenware, is a Fiestaware plat-ter in the original cobalt blue.

All those picture frames, some simple, some grandly ornate. A painted chest. A Bakelite lamp. An Olivetti manual typewriter.

Those treasures and more are artfully arranged many times over for St. Petersburg’s Brocante Market, open the first weekend of each month in a sprawling structure at 2200 Second Ave. S.

For every one, crowds have lined up to discover what precious finds lie within.

“Traffic has been amazing, just seeing how this concept has come to life in St. Petersburg,” says Celesta Carter, co-owner of the market with her hus-band, Sean. “It has been so overwhelming, almost, to see the loyal following.”

The name and concept are borrowed from the French, whose summer Sundays often involve browsing spaces that blend flea-market finds and gen-uine antiques.

Both Celesta and Sean have full-time jobs outside Brocante Market and their retail store, Paper Street Market, on St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue.

“We really started the shop because we love this niche,” Celesta said. “We like to create and re-purpose and find those special pieces that are unique on their own.”

Celesta, who grew up in Kansas, is an experienced picker who looks to sal-vage items from farms and barns throughout the Midwest.

A buck trophy head peers out of a wall of frames in assorted shapes and sizes on display at the Brocante Market. The name and concept are borrowed from the French, whose summer Sundays often involve browsing spaces that blend flea-market finds and genuine antiques.


As she and Sean traveled the country, they researched and developed the concept for Brocante, where dealers work throughout the month, even though the market is open to consumers only those two days.

The couple accept applications from potential “brocan-teurs” and strive to offer a range of merchandise that spans different areas and styles. On market days, they rearrange and restock the various stages.

The rest of the month, Celesta said, “we effectively knock down each stage and completely rebuild it. Any given item can stay in the market only three months.

“We want to keep that merchandise selection always

there for our shoppers,” she said. “We have some things that are considered true antiques,” although much of the mer-chandise dates from the 1920s through the 1960s.

The market has a vendor waiting list, and Celesta said it considers between 60 and 80 applications at any time.

“A lot (of merchants) have been with us since the begin-ning,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of turnover.”

Sean, she says, is the primary buyer and visual expert; she handles the analytics. They recently hired an on-site mar-ket coordinator.

And the couple have seen the neighborhood around them developing as the Warehouse Arts District and the proposed

A crowd lines up to wait for the doors to open for September’s Brocante Market to see what precious finds lie inside. By 9 a.m., the line is about two blocks long. The market itself has a waiting list for vendors. “We don’t have a lot of turnover,” co-owner Celesta Carter says.


Warehouse Arts Enclave, both of which encompass varying artistic disciplines.

“Just to see how our concept fits into the development of downtown St. Pete,” Celesta said. “That’s where we have focused our efforts. We just love the network of local busi-ness owners.

“We always joke that we have no sleep and no children. Sean and I design our lives to be crazy busy. It’s just our way. We never know anything else.”

Customer queues seem to be longest as the sale days begin.

“Generally, we have a pretty significant line waiting to get

in Saturday and Sunday mornings,” Celesta said. “What I tell people is, ‘If you like the thrill of the hunt, that’s the time to get here.’ If you want a little more laid-back, calm setting, Sundays are an awesome day.”

Brocante has Facebook and Twitter feeds where aficio-nados can whet their appetites for keepsakes and prepare for upcoming sales.

In a relatively short time, the market has developed a loyal base of shoppers, some of whom boast that they haven’t missed a single one.

“It’s kind of cool to see that mix of people every month,” Celesta said.


Tate & Tilly boutique owner Tisha DiFelice at her unique shop in Carrollwood.

Photograph by Demetrius Freeman

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ART WITH TWIST

The Chihuly Collection was the destination for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation’s fundraiser: Page 102

SWANKY SOIREE

The fundraiser for Brookwood Florida featured food and wardrobe ideas at the Mahaffey Theater: Page 110

EAT RICH, PLAY DIRTY

The Morean Arts Center featured creative opportunities throughout the Center for Clay: Page 104

CITY FASHION

CITY: FASHION+ART+CULTURE was held during fashion week in Tampa:Page 108


f un for the giver, fun for the getter. That would be Tisha DiFelice’s business plan for Tate & Tilly, a clus-ter of 10 boutiques that share space in one storefront

in the Carrollwood community.Artsy home items, how-did-I-ever-live-without-this jew-

elry, adorable baby gifts, teen trends — the retail tag team constantly changes the lineup.

“Different personalities, all women currently, each bring something special,” DiFelice said. She fills in categories she thinks customers might miss, from handbags to luggage tags to collegiate items. She also handles monogram and embroidering orders.

Rent is set according to the square footage a vendor occu-pies, starting at $175 a month, plus a percentage of sales. Cashiers ring up and code purchases, which each proprietor can follow online to keep track of inventory.

“It’s an adventure every time you walk in,” said Stacy Dupell, who personalizes hairbrushes, wine glasses, Adirondack chairs and more in her business, which she calls Thou Art Funky.

“People say they’d have to go to five or six different stores to find the selection we have,” said Angie Neubner, whose Thing-a-ma-jigs offerings are near the front door — mono-grammed jewelry, beachwear and all things seasonal, from patriotic to pumpkins.

“It’s a great little business model,” Neubner said. “I couldn’t afford to start a business as a single owner.”

Barbara Borrell’s Baby Boutique shelves are filled with stuffed animals, blankets, books and awwww-evoking gifts not readily found elsewhere. She has rented at Tate & Tilly’s for three years.

“I love the buying, and I love the customers,” she said. “And they love the warm and fuzzies here.”

DiFelice paired the nicknames of her brother and his dog to concoct the preppy-sounding Tate & Tilly.

Shopkeepers collaborating under one roof is a fairly com-mon concept throughout the South, she said.

“It simplifies both perspectives, the selling and the shop-ping. I think it may have started with antique sellers and broadened into other retail.”

DiFelice took over the Grand Plaza shopping center lease from a businesswoman “who overextended and ran out of money for inventory.” She asked DiFelice and others to move in and pay rent but still was unable to make a go of it. Their landlord eventually relocated several of the vendors to a smaller space, which became Tate & Tilly in June 2011.

“We’re all in different stages of our lives,” said DiFelice, a Palm Harbor mother of three daughters who is married to former Tampa Bay Rays catcher Mike DiFelice. “Some have

faces

BY AMY SCHERZER

a little of this,a little of that

The Tate & Tilly boutique in Carrollwood is a collection of 10 unique shops under one roof. Each shop carries its own niche of gifts, accessories, jewelry, clothing, baby items and more. “We all share the space so there is a different selection of items and products,” said owner Tisha DiFelice.

Photography by Demetrius Freeman


The selection of must-have items at Tate & Tilly is constantly changing. Shelves are filled with offerings ranging from Lolita brand drinkware to beachwear to baby items.

Retail therapy is a real thing, for women anyway. It’s not about buying another candle. Even if just to chat, it makes them happy to be in the shop.”

TISHA DIFELICE, owner of Tate & Tilly


DiFelice says everyone brings something different to the Carrollwood storefront.

other jobs, some are full-time moms.”Trishma Taken pays for her children’s dance and martial arts lessons with income from

selling custom rhinestone T-shirts as TNT Designz.“It’s fun because I get to be artistic, but I don’t have to be on site every day,” she said. Using

digitized images and a heat press, she “blings” school, church and team names and logos on blank T-shirts.

“Gasparilla and Christmas are my busiest months.”Other entrepreneurs include Rachel Ward of Gemara’s Gems, Laura Wyatt of Ooh La La,

Dawn Becker of Doll Style and Cat Whitwell of JC’s Boutique.“It’s grown exponentially,” DiFelice said. “Retail therapy is a real thing, for women any-

way. It’s not about buying another candle. Even if just to chat, it makes them happy to be in the shop.”

Tate & Tilly, 14349 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; tateandtilly.com; (813) 962-7878.

Spartina 449 bags are among items vendors sell at the Tate & Tilly boutique. “People say they’d have to go to five or six different stores to find the selection we have,” said Angie Neubner. Some of the vendors have other jobs, some are full-time moms. It’s a chance for them to socialize, earn a little money and even indulge their creative side.


ART WITH A TWISTSt. Petersburg’s Chihuly Collection was the destination for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation’s Art with a Twist fundraiser in September.

1. Gay Lancaster; Glenn Waters, president of BayCare Health Care’s Hospital Division; and Nancy Ridenour.2. Celebrity judge Nick Petersen with Kathy Wright and Katie Gower.3. Ernestine Bean and Dan Doyle.4. Mixologists and party guests are reflected in an installation of Chihuly Persians.5. Brenda Jacobsen, Lakeside Occupational Medical Centers chief executive officer and Art with a Twist chairwoman, with Richard and Diana Johnson, Elena Katsulos and Karol Desort.6. Celebrity judges Kris Radish, Madonna Metcalf and Nick Petersen.7. Ray Ferrara, chairman of the Morton Plant Mease Health Care board of directors; Liz Waters; Lou Galdieri, chief operating officer of Mease Dunedin and Mease Countryside hospitals; Wendi Coover; and Tom Doria.8. Chihuly’s Blue Neon Tumbleweed.9. Alyse Latour, Garrett Burke, Kristen Naruns and Katie Mallah.

Photographs by James Branaman

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EAT RICH, PLAY DIRTYThe third annual fundraiser for the Morean Arts Center featured food, wine, a mojito station and numerous creative opportunities throughout the Morean’s Center for Clay in September. The evening featured hands-on demonstrations at artistic posts set up throughout the Historic Train Station.

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1. Stefan and Jackie Krajecki and Jana and Michael Kirsch.2. Some participants painted silk fans inside the Morean Center for Clay.3. Morean executive director Wayne Atherholt, Fred McCoy and Susan Reiter.4. Artist patsy monk demonstrates working with glass beads and flame at one of the event’s creative stations.5. Sophia Wisniewska, regional chancellor of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, with Linda Marcelli, Carol Mickett, Nancy Loehr, Jeanne Bangtson, Beth Hinckley and Gloria Doiron.6. Karen Wilson receives guidance from ceramic artist Kodi Thompson.7. Sherry Billhimer, Ric Moreira, Abe Groen and Bobbie Gutman.8. Heather Lauter uses a pottery wheel.9. Traci and Terry Steen, Susan Reiter and Jennifer and Glenn Cunningham.

Photographs by James Branaman


FARA ENERGY BALLWhen two Labrador puppies fetched auction bids of more than $30,000, you knew the FARA Energy Ball would exceed every goal set by Tara and Tod Leiweke, co-chairs for the fourth year on behalf of the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and the USF Health Ataxia Research Center. Another $300,000 came from the James Taylor Challenge; $1,500 donors got tickets to a November concert. Friedreich’s Ataxia “spokesfamily” Suzanne and Paul Avery and daughters Alison and Laurel thanked guests and researchers from around the world for working to treat, cure and eliminate the disease.

1. Mary and Paul Jacobs, World of Beer venture partner.2. The Spazmatics rocked the FARA Energy Ball.3. Alison Avery and her father, Paul.4. Counterclockwise from top left, Chris Kelsch, his wife, Pamela, and daughter Chloe bid $35,000 for this Labrador puppy auctioned at the FARA Energy Ball, to the delight of Suzanne Avery, top right.5. Nancy and Dr. Charles Lockwood dine with Steve Greenbaum and Judy Genshaft.6. Co-chairs Tara and Tod Leiweke.

Photographs by Amy Scherzer

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CITY: FASHION+ART+CULTURE“Gray matters … it replaces basic, boring black,” said Robert Robideaux, Neiman Marcus public relations manager, assessing the anything-but-boring runway parade that was CITY: Fashion+Art+Culture. The Prada-and-prosecco crowd took in leggy models and stunning spectators at the Tampa Museum of Art. Grille One Sixteen passed hors d’oeuvres, complementing Eddie V’s Prime salmon and steak buffet; Chocolate Pi and this magazine’s Sweet Times tendered desserts. Timing the September benefit to Tampa Bay Fashion Week, co-chairwomen Mary Kelly and Sandy Juster’s glam scene attracted hundreds of stylish young donors.

1. Jenny Wei and Deanna Companion.2. Diane Keane, Demi Rahall, Cathy Clayton, Teresa Wilkins, Amber Cruz and Susan Beaven.3. Nancy and David Linsky.

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4. Cheryl Adams and Kim Rogers.5. A Neiman Marcus model showcases autumn style.6. Nikki DeBartolo and her husband, Chad Chronister.7. Caitlin Martini, Margo Heilbronner and Penny Vinik.8. A formal ensemble for fall.

Photographs by Amy Scherzer


SWANKY SOIREE VThe annual fundraiser for Brookwood Florida, held in September, featured food, drink and wardrobe ideas in the lobby of the Mahaffey Theater. The gala also was an official part of Tampa Bay Fashion Week.

1. Donors John Barger Jr., Joyce Larson and Pamela Barger.2. Models wore clothing from the White House/Black Market fall line.3. Event chairman John William Barger III.4. Donors Sherri and George Burke.5. Caribbean ceviche from Guy Harvey RumFish Grill was among the food patrons sampled at the event.6. Channel 10 meteorologist Kate Wentzel was mistress of ceremonies.7. Keynote speaker and Brookwood Florida alumna Ashlie Stevens

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spoke of the circumstances that led her to the organization.8. Bobby and Sue Cramer dance to the music of Sol Caribe.9. Brookwood executive director Pam Mesmer.

Photographs by Monica Herndon


AUGUST SEPTEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY

’14

11.12NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY LUNCHEON: 11:30 a.m. A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa. $75. afpsuncoast.org.

11.13SUSTAINABLE BUZZ: Tasting event benefi ts the Sustany Foundation. 6 to 9 p.m.. Straz Center, 1010 N McInnes Place, Tampa; $40, $70 per couple; $45 at the door; VIP $150, $250 per couple. sustany.org; (813) 507-1111.

11.14DESSERT FIRST: Benefits Girl Scouts of West Central Florida; 6:30 p.m. Intercontinental Hotel, 4860 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. $100. dessertfi rsttampa.com; toll-free 1-800-881-4475, ext. 1688.

11.15CBI GIFT AND CRAFT SHOW: Congregation B’nai Israel event. 8 to 10:30 p.m. 300 58th St. N, St. Petersburg. cbistpete.org; (727) 381-4900.

DRIVE AWAY HUNGER GOLF SCRAMBLE: Benefits Daystar Life Center. Foursomes tee o� at 8 a.m. Bu� alo Creek Golf Course, 8100 69th St. E, Palmetto. $55 individual, $220 team of four (includes play, lunch). (727) 498-8794.

11.16CBI GIFT AND CRAFT SHOW: Annual Congregation B’nai Israel event. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 300 58th St. N, St. Petersburg. cbistpete.org; (727) 381-4900.

11.17PINELLAS AUXILIARY OF THE CHILDREN’S HOME GOLF TOURNAMENT: Open to men and women golfers. 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater. $150 per player (includes play, lunch, awards party). (727) 515-5958.

11.20WINE WOMEN AND SHOES: Benefi ts Children’s Cancer Center. 7 p.m. Tampa Marriott Waterside, 700 S Florida Ave. $75. winewomenandshoes.com/tampa; (813) 320-1210.

11.26YE MYSTIC KREWE OF GASPARILLA: Debutante Ball. 8 p.m. Hilton Tampa

Downtown, 211 N Tampa St. Invitation only.

12.3MRS. SANTA LUNCHEON, FASHION SHOW: All Children’s Hospital Guild, Beach Branch event includes presentation of “Mrs. Santa” volunteer award, fashion show and boutique from Macy’s of Tyrone Square Mall. 11:30 a.m. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 386-5336.

12.5TIES AND TENNIS SHOES GALA: Benefits Pinellas Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program, features interactive stations, holiday shopping, food, craft beer. $35 general admission (includes food, nonalcoholic beverages, sporting stations); $125 VIP (includes food, all beverages, VIP fi eld suite access). Cocktail attire with sneakers suggested. 7 to 10 p.m. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. tiesandtennisshoes.com; (727) 588-4816.

GEORGETTE’S HOLIDAY FASHION SHOW: Twenty-sixth annual show benefi ts St. Joseph’s Children’s Heart Center. 10:30 a.m. Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N Tampa St. $100. sjhfoundation.org; (813) 872-0879 org.

12.6FLORIDA ORCHESTRA GUILD HOME TOUR: Holiday-decorated homes on St. Petersburg’s Snell Isle and Brightwaters Boulevard NE; event benefi ts the orchestra. $75 (includes Dec. 5 gala preview); $20 advance, $25 day of event. Send checks payable to Florida Orchestra Guild to Holiday Homes Tour, 265 Catalan Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 528-6595.

12.10BOLEY ANGELS HOLIDAY BRUNCH: 11:30 a.m. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. (727) 821-4819, ext. 5724.

12.12CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: St. Petersburg Woman’s Club event. 11:30 a.m. 40 Snell Isle Blvd. NE. Reservations: (727) 822-4982.

12.18GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION: 20th annual decorating contest to benefi t American Red Cross Tampa Bay features food and drink; gingerbread houses supplied. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Loews Don CeSar Hotel, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. redcross.org/gingerbreadstpete2014.

OCTOBER NOVEMBER


A new year, a new page. That’s a look forward to October 2015 in this calendar illustration from Rifle Paper Co. in Winter Park, taken from its Travel the World wall version ($26) that celebrates destinations throughout the world. Anna and Nathan Bond founded the firm in 2009, working out of a garage apartment. Now an international brand, Rifle offers holiday greeting cards and other products through its website (riflepaperco.com) and through select retail outlets.

— Mary Jane Park

LOOKING AHEADPhotograph by Dirk Shadd

bay magazine november 2014

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